I wish I could call my parents and tell them I applied for a big promotion at work and was offered the job. It will be a big challenge and a lot of work, but I'm excited about it. I think they would be proud of me. And I know they know, etc, etc, but sometimes I wish I could see their faces light up with news of the accomplishments of me or my kids, and sometimes I wish I could hear them say, "Way to go, Bec! That is great news!".
They would also be proud of my little brother, Joel. He was also given a big promotion at work. He went from a sales position at Simply Mac in St. George, to managing an entire store in Layton almost within a year of starting. He is an amazing dad and husband, and friend.
I know they are proud of my sister, Jenn, too. She has been a very dedicated city council woman in Gilbert. She stands up for what she believes in no matter what criticism she gets for it. She is a fun loving mother to her 3 boys and now her little princess, Kate. I'm sure my mom sent her baby Kate, just like she promised she would before she left.
I think my mom and dad would be most proud of my sister, Val. She has really taken on the role as matriarch of our family. She has become the one that I call for advice, to share exciting news with, and the one who calls to check up on me when more than a few days have gone by when she hasn't heard from me. Before my mom died, she asked Val to be PTA President at their elementary school. Val did it this year, and did an incredible job. She worked very hard all year long.
I am so proud of all of my siblings and I love them so much. I am so grateful for how close we all are. They are my best friends. I don't know if I could have gotten through losing my parents without them. I am so lucky to have them and I am so proud of where we have all come in the past year. It's really amazing! My parents must be proud. They made us what we are!
Wednesday, June 01, 2011
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Tennessee - Day 1
I don't really want to remember my nightmare of a journey to get to Tennessee yesterday, but I do want to remember all about my first day here!
Tennessee is:
---The Walking Horse Hotel---
We are staying in this cool little hotel with a lot of history! It's in the town of Wartrace, population 610. The hotel was built in 1917 and was recently purchased and renovated by a man in memory of his wife who died from cancer. She was an amazing singer and loved music so he is trying to bring that into the hotel. In her name, he constructed the Chais Music Hall where he has aspiring musicians come and entertain on weekends.
Downtown Wartrace. It's right across the street/railroad tracks from the hotel. Everything closes at 5pm so I probably won't get the chance to do some shopping, dang it!
Have you ever seen a World Champion Tennessee Walking Horse? Today was my first time too! Not much of a horse person, but I never even knew what that was before touring Joe Fleming's Stables. He has 90 Tennessee Walking Horses and 2 World Champions! Shelbyville is the Walking Horse Capital of the World! Every year, for 10 days before Labor Day, the whole town of 17,000 goes crazy with the Walking Horse Festival. Schools even close as their population triples when people come from all of the place to show their horses. The locals take off to Florida for the week and they rent their houses out for like $7,000 for the week! Pays for their whole trip! So, anyways, walking horses have these special platform shoes on their front two...feet? hooves? Whatever, like I said, I'm not a horse person. Anyway, they raise their front two legs really high when they walk and their back two kind of sway like an elliptical does. They are very smooth and the riders don't even bounce up and down when they...walk? Anyway, cool to see, but I think I'm allergic to all animals!
---Beautiful Scenery---
This is pretty much what the view consists of...rolling hills and lots of trees. Everything is SO green and beautiful! I couldn't get enough staring out the windows.
---Bell Buckle---
Cute little row of shops, don't you think? I loved it!
So obviously I took this picture from the car, while we were moving, with my phone. But, you get the point. Beautiful country homes, a lot of them plantation style like the Carmichael Plantation on Sweet Home Alabama. They are all acres from each other and no joke, as we drove past, people were sitting on their porches in their rocking chairs just watching the grass grow. I just want to experience that life for one long day!
Tennessee is:
---The Walking Horse Hotel---
We are staying in this cool little hotel with a lot of history! It's in the town of Wartrace, population 610. The hotel was built in 1917 and was recently purchased and renovated by a man in memory of his wife who died from cancer. She was an amazing singer and loved music so he is trying to bring that into the hotel. In her name, he constructed the Chais Music Hall where he has aspiring musicians come and entertain on weekends.
Downtown Wartrace. It's right across the street/railroad tracks from the hotel. Everything closes at 5pm so I probably won't get the chance to do some shopping, dang it!
---Cicada Bugs---
We were so lucky to be able to experience Cicadea Bugs since they only come out ever 13 years! The come out of the ground once ever 13 years and fly around and make tons of noise for about 5-6 weeks before they all die, make a mess all over the place, and nobody sees them again until 13 years later. They are HUGE UGLY bugs! And I don't do well with bugs! Pretty fascinating little life though.
---Tennessee Walking Horses---
Have you ever seen a World Champion Tennessee Walking Horse? Today was my first time too! Not much of a horse person, but I never even knew what that was before touring Joe Fleming's Stables. He has 90 Tennessee Walking Horses and 2 World Champions! Shelbyville is the Walking Horse Capital of the World! Every year, for 10 days before Labor Day, the whole town of 17,000 goes crazy with the Walking Horse Festival. Schools even close as their population triples when people come from all of the place to show their horses. The locals take off to Florida for the week and they rent their houses out for like $7,000 for the week! Pays for their whole trip! So, anyways, walking horses have these special platform shoes on their front two...feet? hooves? Whatever, like I said, I'm not a horse person. Anyway, they raise their front two legs really high when they walk and their back two kind of sway like an elliptical does. They are very smooth and the riders don't even bounce up and down when they...walk? Anyway, cool to see, but I think I'm allergic to all animals!---Beautiful Scenery---
This is pretty much what the view consists of...rolling hills and lots of trees. Everything is SO green and beautiful! I couldn't get enough staring out the windows.---Bell Buckle---
Cute name for a little town, don't you think? Bell Buckle was established in 1852 as a railroad community. I can't find the population, but I do know that it is home of the RC Cola and Moon Pie Festival coming up here next month. We had dinner at the Bell Buckle Cafe...true downhome southern cooking. Everything was fried...fried okra, fried corn, fried chicken, etc, and for dessert we had grit cake and oatmeal cake. It was actually really good, and you can bet I bought some moon pies to take home to the kids!
Cute little row of shops, don't you think? I loved it!---My Dream Houses...for a day---
So obviously I took this picture from the car, while we were moving, with my phone. But, you get the point. Beautiful country homes, a lot of them plantation style like the Carmichael Plantation on Sweet Home Alabama. They are all acres from each other and no joke, as we drove past, people were sitting on their porches in their rocking chairs just watching the grass grow. I just want to experience that life for one long day!---To End the Night---
I found this beautiful park with a walking path right around the corner from the hotel. I was so excited to take a quick run before the sun went down. It is a lot more humid here than I'm used to so I was dripping sweat, but the air felt good. So much easier to run at 700 feet instead of 4000. I even saw lightening bugs! So cool to see their blue lights flicker in the fields!
It was a great day! I like Tennessee as a place to visit. It's...charming. Makes me want to see more of the East and definitely makes me want a southern accent. I'm just not going to come during tornado season next time.
Oh yeah...and I worked a little bit...cuz that's why I'm here!
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Dance 2011
Lyrical : True Colors
Jazz: Single Ladies
Hip-Hop: Whip My Hair
Brooklyn started Hip-Hop this year and LOVES it! She likes being a little extra sassy and being encouraged to have attitude. She loves getting her hair and make-up done and hanging out with all the other dancers in the locker room in between dances at competitions.
Recital is this week! Yeah!
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
My Closet
This is a picture of my linen closet. It's simple and organized and everything has a place. I don't have a before picture, but to give you a visual, Tallan and Keslie had successfully taken everything off the shelves while I was making dinner last night. Everything. Blankets, towels, and bedding were thrown all over our upstairs. It was chaos! It pretty much gave me anxiety just looking at the mess and thinking about the amount of work it was going to take to put it all back together.
As I started refolding everything, I decided it was as good a time as any to start cleaning out and making some changes. All 3 sets of crib bedding I had been storing in that closet are now gone. So are all of the baby blankets and cutesie burp cloths. The beach towels are a little higher on the shelves now that they won't be used for awhile. The blankets are a little more accessible. Time to move on and start a new season of life.
The past 6 months of life in our house, have been a little like the before picture of my closet. It's been chaotic and filled with anxiety and looking at life and thinking about how to put it all back together was hard. I struggled to give my husband and kids the attention they needed and deserved. I ignored what should have been a priority and I wasn't taking care of myself either. As long as I wasn't in the car alone or in the shower, I was really good at pretending I was okay, but every once in awhile, reality took center stage over my acting.
Sunday, a friend of mine gave a lesson in Relief Society and mentioned how bad she felt about herself while reading other people's blogs because everyone's lives seem so perfect in the blogging world. Everyone's kids are perfect. Everyone's husbands are perfect. All of the perfect neighborhood moms get together during the day and do perfect motherly things with their kids. Everyone's family vacations are perfect. Everyone has perfect holidays with their parents. That's why I'm writing this. For the past 6 months I haven't wanted to write a blog, and I rarely looked at anyone elses for that very reason. I felt like I was the only one whose life wasn't "perfect". But, it's time to be real and honest. It's time to start telling the truth and possibly admit what most people think but won't say out loud. Life is hard. Did you hear me? LIFE IS HARD!
So, like my closet, I'm cleaning out, I'm trying to get a fresh start. Hopefully with a little less chaos. A little more organization (since I successfully forgot about both of my kid's picture days at school this year), and a little more attention to detail...like my family. It's time to get rid of the things in my life that I can live without, that are just taking up space, just like in my closet. No more facade of "perfection". It's time to give the important things that are left, a place, and a priority, hopefully keeping it simple, with a little more organization. I know it's going to take some work, and it won't be easy, but it will be worth it.
One of the first things going on the shelf...facing some fears. I have only been back down to Hurricane one time since my mom's funeral and that was to clean out her classroom 5 months ago. It was hard. It was one of the hardest things I have done and I have been scared to go back to visit my grandma, sister, brother, and their families ever since. Several times we have made plans to go down and then I would make an excuse not to at the last minute. We are planning on going to Hurricane for Thanksgiving this year. There! I've said it out loud. I've made the announcement to the world, well, to whoever reads this, and I'm going to follow through with it.
Here is to cleaning out the rest of my closet, being honest, and giving my life a new look...
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
For The Record...
For the record, if there is anyone out there still, we are still alive!
There is no time for catch up at this point, but here is a quick recap...just for the record:
Birthdays:
Keslie turned 2 in May
Tallan turned 4 in September
Brooklyn turned 7 in September
For the record, Tim and celebrated our 9th anniversary in September. Well, I wouldn't say "celebrated" because it was just another busy busy day for us as usual.
Races:
Tim and I both ran in the Wasatch Back
Tim and I both ran the Speedy Spaniard 10K in Spanish Fork on the 24th of July
I ran the Hobblecreek Half Marathon
I also ran in several 5ks. Decided it's fun to do those cuz I always win a cool prize for coming in 2nd...always 2nd!
Vacations:
Tim and I both got to go to Girls Camp and did Trek for Youth Conference; both were awesome
Brooklyn and I took a girls trip to San Diego for a long weekend...amazing trip!
Family pass to Thanksgiving Point = very good investment
Lots of camping, boating, golfing, playing outside, bike rides, visits from cousins, new trampoline, etc and that was our summer!
Church:
Tim got released from Primary after 6 years and is now the assistant financial clerk, or something like that.
I got released from Young Women's, which was bitter sweet, and now I teach Gospel Doctrine...to adults! Don't ask me how that happened!
School:
Brooklyn started 1st grade
Tallan started Preschool
I am heading back in January at UVU to finish up...finally! I'm super excited though!
Work:
Tim somehow manages to stay busy enough in this slow real estate market, but has been applying for many other jobs around the US. We hope we get to go somewhere exciting, but I told him it has to be close to my family!
I am still working full time but got a new "job" within the same company. I am a professional shopper now! I get to do all of the purchasing for all 4 campuses and the best part is furnishing and equiping our brand new 90,000 sq ft building at Thanksgiving Point. Stressful, but fun!
I am still teaching TurboKick 2 nights a week and have a lot of fun with those girls!
That's about it.
And now let's see how long it takes me to post again...
There is no time for catch up at this point, but here is a quick recap...just for the record:
Birthdays:
Keslie turned 2 in May
Tallan turned 4 in September
Brooklyn turned 7 in September
For the record, Tim and celebrated our 9th anniversary in September. Well, I wouldn't say "celebrated" because it was just another busy busy day for us as usual.
Races:
Tim and I both ran in the Wasatch Back
Tim and I both ran the Speedy Spaniard 10K in Spanish Fork on the 24th of July
I ran the Hobblecreek Half Marathon
I also ran in several 5ks. Decided it's fun to do those cuz I always win a cool prize for coming in 2nd...always 2nd!
Vacations:
Tim and I both got to go to Girls Camp and did Trek for Youth Conference; both were awesome
Brooklyn and I took a girls trip to San Diego for a long weekend...amazing trip!
Family pass to Thanksgiving Point = very good investment
Lots of camping, boating, golfing, playing outside, bike rides, visits from cousins, new trampoline, etc and that was our summer!
Church:
Tim got released from Primary after 6 years and is now the assistant financial clerk, or something like that.
I got released from Young Women's, which was bitter sweet, and now I teach Gospel Doctrine...to adults! Don't ask me how that happened!
School:
Brooklyn started 1st grade
Tallan started Preschool
I am heading back in January at UVU to finish up...finally! I'm super excited though!
Work:
Tim somehow manages to stay busy enough in this slow real estate market, but has been applying for many other jobs around the US. We hope we get to go somewhere exciting, but I told him it has to be close to my family!
I am still working full time but got a new "job" within the same company. I am a professional shopper now! I get to do all of the purchasing for all 4 campuses and the best part is furnishing and equiping our brand new 90,000 sq ft building at Thanksgiving Point. Stressful, but fun!
I am still teaching TurboKick 2 nights a week and have a lot of fun with those girls!
That's about it.
And now let's see how long it takes me to post again...
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Monday, May 10, 2010
Costa Vida Flyer
Most of you may already know that my team is running the Wasatch Back Ragnar Relay for the American Cancer Society in June. Costa Vida is sponsoring a benefit night for us where they are donating 20% of all sales to our team when you bring in a flyer to the American Fork or Provo locations on Wednesday, May 12th from 2pm -9 pm.
We are so excited about this event! Please come and support us and pass the word along to your friends and family. You must have the flyer with you in order for your sales to count! Click on the image above and print it. Black and white is just fine too! Please pass it around by email, to your coworkers, family, neighbors, and friends.
Thank you SO much!
Becky
We are so excited about this event! Please come and support us and pass the word along to your friends and family. You must have the flyer with you in order for your sales to count! Click on the image above and print it. Black and white is just fine too! Please pass it around by email, to your coworkers, family, neighbors, and friends.
Thank you SO much!
Becky
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Thursday, April 15, 2010
American Cancer Society
Most of you already know that I lost my amazing mom to lung cancer early Easter morning. She fought hard for almost a year, but the cancer was too aggressive. While she passed peacefully in her sleep, the cancer was a horrible disease that took all her quality of life. I also have quite a few other family members who have fought cancer as I'm sure you do too.
I am running the Wasatch Back Ragnar Relay in June this year for the American Cancer Society. The Wasatch Back is a 12 person relay where we run almost 200 miles over a 24 hour period from Logan, UT to Park City, UT through the mountains. I have done it twice before and this year I have pledged to raise $4200.00 to fight cancer. Any amount of donation is accepted and appreciated greatly. I know times are tough financially but if you can even donate $5.00, it would be very effective in helping me reach my goal for a great cause.
Please click on this LINK to donate in my name (under Rebecca Flinders) to the American Cancer Society.
Thank you for your time and your help.
I am running the Wasatch Back Ragnar Relay in June this year for the American Cancer Society. The Wasatch Back is a 12 person relay where we run almost 200 miles over a 24 hour period from Logan, UT to Park City, UT through the mountains. I have done it twice before and this year I have pledged to raise $4200.00 to fight cancer. Any amount of donation is accepted and appreciated greatly. I know times are tough financially but if you can even donate $5.00, it would be very effective in helping me reach my goal for a great cause.
Please click on this LINK to donate in my name (under Rebecca Flinders) to the American Cancer Society.
Thank you for your time and your help.
Sunday, April 04, 2010
Easter Sunday
What a beautiful morning to reflect on the perfect life of the Savior as well as the amazing life of my mom. Mom passed away around 2am this morning peacefully in her sleep, while for the first time in at least a month, no one was watching her. Jenn and I had gone home yesterday afternoon to be with our families for Easter and my mom's two sisters were taking the night shift with her but had both fallen asleep. I think it was just what my mom wanted.
I am overwhelmingly sad, but have so much joy thinking about the glorious reunion she is having with my dad, her dad, her granddaugher, Natalie, and do many other people who love her. I am so glad that her tired, sick body doesn't have to suffer anymore. I know that when the time comes I will be reunited with my mom and dad too.
I am ashamed to admit this, but I know it is important to share my testimony about the last 24 hours. I woke up yesterday morning at my mom's house and was bitter with my Heavenly Father. I questioned how He could let my mom continue to suffer for so long after all of our prayers to release her from all of the pain and let her return to Him. I questioned how He could possibly love her and still let her go through such a horrible illness. I questioned how He could love me as an individual when I prayed so hard for my mom over the past year that she was sick and that I could be there with her when she passed but my prayers were not answered how I wanted in that either. After Val called me when mom passed away, I felt Heavenly Father's arms around me so strong that it physically hurt. I was overwhelmed with how strong his love really is for me and my mom. I learned when my dad passed and I am learning again, that Heavenly Father has a plan for all of us and He loves all of us so much. Although we don't understand sometimes, we need to not question, but have faith that everything is part of the plan and that everything happens for a reason. I know it was hard for my Heavenly Father to watch my mom suffer just as it was hard for Him to watch our Savior, Jesus Christ, suffer throughout His life, and ultimately on the cross in Gethsemane. He is perfect in all things and He will never abandon or betray us.
The ground is covered in white this morning and even though I have been anxiously awaiting Spring, there is something comforting about having an excuse to lay around with my cozy blanket listening to the message of the Prophet and the apostles during Conference with my family.
Thank you again for all of the prayers, fasting, help with my kids, meals, etc. It was an honor and a priveledge to be able to spend time with my mom and take care of her over the past month and for all of the tender moments I was able to be apart of with her and my siblings.
Funeral arrangements will be posted soon for those that are interested.
I am overwhelmingly sad, but have so much joy thinking about the glorious reunion she is having with my dad, her dad, her granddaugher, Natalie, and do many other people who love her. I am so glad that her tired, sick body doesn't have to suffer anymore. I know that when the time comes I will be reunited with my mom and dad too.
I am ashamed to admit this, but I know it is important to share my testimony about the last 24 hours. I woke up yesterday morning at my mom's house and was bitter with my Heavenly Father. I questioned how He could let my mom continue to suffer for so long after all of our prayers to release her from all of the pain and let her return to Him. I questioned how He could possibly love her and still let her go through such a horrible illness. I questioned how He could love me as an individual when I prayed so hard for my mom over the past year that she was sick and that I could be there with her when she passed but my prayers were not answered how I wanted in that either. After Val called me when mom passed away, I felt Heavenly Father's arms around me so strong that it physically hurt. I was overwhelmed with how strong his love really is for me and my mom. I learned when my dad passed and I am learning again, that Heavenly Father has a plan for all of us and He loves all of us so much. Although we don't understand sometimes, we need to not question, but have faith that everything is part of the plan and that everything happens for a reason. I know it was hard for my Heavenly Father to watch my mom suffer just as it was hard for Him to watch our Savior, Jesus Christ, suffer throughout His life, and ultimately on the cross in Gethsemane. He is perfect in all things and He will never abandon or betray us.
The ground is covered in white this morning and even though I have been anxiously awaiting Spring, there is something comforting about having an excuse to lay around with my cozy blanket listening to the message of the Prophet and the apostles during Conference with my family.
Thank you again for all of the prayers, fasting, help with my kids, meals, etc. It was an honor and a priveledge to be able to spend time with my mom and take care of her over the past month and for all of the tender moments I was able to be apart of with her and my siblings.
Funeral arrangements will be posted soon for those that are interested.
Monday, March 22, 2010
A sweet surprise...
About noon on Saturday, I was playing the piano at my mom's house while she was laying on the couch. My grandma was next to her, brother on the other couch, and sister hanging out too. Someone came to the door that has a permanent note on it saying "do not disturb. napping in progress. thank you!" No offense to anyone, but my mom is just up to visitors anymore most of the time. Anyway, luckily my sister saw her coming and went to open it. This total stranger was holding the biggest cup of Spoon Me I have ever seen! We all started fighting over who it could be for when the girl said her sister asked her to bring it over. We asked her who her sister was and when she said Amber Hall, I knew it was for me and that I had one of the coolest friends ever! My good friend, Amber, who lives in Idaho, asked her sister, who lives in St. George, to bring me my favorite treat. Can you believe it? Totally made my day, and my sister's too since I shared with her. : ) Thanks so much, Amber! Seriously the best surprise! (well, it could have been better if you delivered it, yourself, but I'll take what I can get!)
Thursday, March 18, 2010
February
Really? February seems so long ago and so insignificant. Maybe another day.
I'm at my mom's house again. Sam, the home health nurse came this morning bright and early at 7:30. I had been up since 3am. That's when my "shift" started. Sam did mom's vitals. She weighed 103 pounds. Oxygen got up to 91, blood pressure was normal, no temperature, heart rate at 120. A normal resting heart rate is 60-80. She was having chest pains during the night. Her heart and lungs are having to work too hard. Sam ordered oxygen to help give them a break and hopefully allow mom to rest a little better.
We spent the morning trying to get mom comfortable. Grandma came over to help me. I was supposed to have given mom a bath, but she wasn't feeling up to it. Maybe tomorrow.
We met with Dr. Haslem at 10:30 in St. George. He was wonderful, but turns out mom has DIC, which is a blood condition where her blood cells are at war with each other and they just don't work anymore. It's a rare side effect to cancer, and since they can't get the cancer under control, they can't stop the bleeding. She will just have to continue spitting it out. She never complains about it. He also said there is nothing else they can do. We are supposed to spend the remaining time hoping for her comfort and time well spent with loved ones instead of hoping for a miracle. He eliminated some of her meds, which will make it easier for us to manage the daily schedule of it all.
Mom is so at peace. I think it was a relief to her, actually. She doesn't have to go through any more chemo, radiation, blood or platelet infusions, etc. She said today that she is ready. She's ready for the Lord's will to be done. She's ready to be out of pain. She is ready to go to sleep and not wake up again. She's ready to be with my dad again.
The rest of the day, mom spent laying on the couch, with her nasal canula and oxygen. Sleeping on and off. She dictated thank you cards to Kristan and I to write for her since she can't do it on her own anymore. That's my mom in a nut shell. She was told today she won't live more than a couple of weeks, and she spends her time thanking people for the flowers, meals, cards, quilt and banner from her elementary school, and friendship. Always thinking of others. I want to be just like her when I grow up.
It's 10:30 pm. I gave mom her night time meds and got her tucked as comfortably as possible in her rented hospital bed. My "shift" starts in just a few hours. I should get some rest.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
January
Happy 2010!
My sisters and I planned a pizza and ice cream sundae party for all of Joel and Kristan's friends and family who had traveled to be with them on their wedding. We rented out my mom's clubhouse the night before the big day and went through 20 large pizzas, and I think 6 gallons of ice cream with every topping you could think of. So fun to have a casual get together where everyone felt free to visit and talk with Joel and Kristan without the pressure of the wedding day. We couldn't believe all the people who came from so far to celebrate with our family.
The morning of the wedding...
We convinced my mom she was beautiful with or without hair and she decided she would go without her wig to the wedding. She did look beautiful and did really well throughout the whole day!
Joel and Kristan were married in the St. George Temple on January 2nd. Probably one of the most amazing days of my life. The experience we had in the temple with my whole family was incredible. They had a beautiful dinner and reception up the canyon to Zion's, but really my pictures and words can't do the day any sort of justice. Here is a link to Becky Ravenberg's (the photographer) website where you can see for yourself. Really, take a look...
Blog:
Website:
Wedding Video, done by their good friend, Tia. Seriously, Tia, it was amazing! I can't even get through the first 30 seconds without crying.
1 vacant house with a steep driveway, a visit from our good friends, The Halls, from ID, and some fun neighbor kids made for many fun days of sledding down unplowed territory...
Celebration for Uncle Matt's birthday...
My good friend, Katie, and I went up to Logan for a weekend to get certified to teach Turbokick. We are team teaching 3 classes a week now and I absolutely LOVE it! We are having so much fun with our class!
Celebration of Tim's birthday...
Brooklyn lost her first tooth (right before bed, hence the jammas and bed head)...
I think that's all I can handle for now, but before I sign off for however long...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MELISSA! One of my very best friends turns 30 today! And even though her husband won't let us live in the same state, in fact, even though he keeps moving further and further away from us, she is still one of my greatest friends and one of the most caring and thoughtful people I know. She is talented and fun, has great style and I can't wait to plan a wedding in the next 15-20 years for two of our kids! Happy Birthday, Melissa!!!
My sisters and I planned a pizza and ice cream sundae party for all of Joel and Kristan's friends and family who had traveled to be with them on their wedding. We rented out my mom's clubhouse the night before the big day and went through 20 large pizzas, and I think 6 gallons of ice cream with every topping you could think of. So fun to have a casual get together where everyone felt free to visit and talk with Joel and Kristan without the pressure of the wedding day. We couldn't believe all the people who came from so far to celebrate with our family.
The morning of the wedding...
We convinced my mom she was beautiful with or without hair and she decided she would go without her wig to the wedding. She did look beautiful and did really well throughout the whole day!
Joel and Kristan were married in the St. George Temple on January 2nd. Probably one of the most amazing days of my life. The experience we had in the temple with my whole family was incredible. They had a beautiful dinner and reception up the canyon to Zion's, but really my pictures and words can't do the day any sort of justice. Here is a link to Becky Ravenberg's (the photographer) website where you can see for yourself. Really, take a look...Blog:
Website:
Wedding Video, done by their good friend, Tia. Seriously, Tia, it was amazing! I can't even get through the first 30 seconds without crying.
1 vacant house with a steep driveway, a visit from our good friends, The Halls, from ID, and some fun neighbor kids made for many fun days of sledding down unplowed territory...
Celebration for Uncle Matt's birthday...
My good friend, Katie, and I went up to Logan for a weekend to get certified to teach Turbokick. We are team teaching 3 classes a week now and I absolutely LOVE it! We are having so much fun with our class!
Celebration of Tim's birthday...
Brooklyn lost her first tooth (right before bed, hence the jammas and bed head)...
I think that's all I can handle for now, but before I sign off for however long...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MELISSA! One of my very best friends turns 30 today! And even though her husband won't let us live in the same state, in fact, even though he keeps moving further and further away from us, she is still one of my greatest friends and one of the most caring and thoughtful people I know. She is talented and fun, has great style and I can't wait to plan a wedding in the next 15-20 years for two of our kids! Happy Birthday, Melissa!!!
December
Decorated gingerbread houses with the kids...
Tallan met his new soon-to-be cousin, Kailer. If these two were any more alike I'd question if they weren't really brothers. Look alike, act alike, love skateboards and motorcycles and dirt bikes. Trouble makers, silly name calling, and temper tantrums. But these boys love their mamas!
We took the youth to Temple Square to see the lights. It was absolutely freezing that night. Not a single girl complained. Everyone was so overwhelmed by the Spirit that was there. I love these girls like I love my own kids. I have to admit that I never really believed it when leaders would say it, but now I know what it feels like. I already get teary thinking of my 3 girls who are graduating this year and leaving me. I don't know what I'm going to do without seeing them a few times each week. I'm going to miss their sweet spirits, their texts during school just to say hi, and when they stop by to see me, and waking up to see my house decorated among other things. They are really special people.
Christmas cookies for the neighbors...
Brooklyn's Kindergarten Holiday Sing...
Keslie looks exactly like Brooklyn at 18 months. (Keslie is holding a picture of Brooklyn wearing the same shirt at the same age) Keslie finally started walking at 18 months and will someday love nursery as much as I do.
Christmas morning was kind of a blur. we had driven down to Hurricane on Christmas Eve...lots of people, lots of presents, and we didn't even get through them all before we noticed my mom was bleeding from her gums. A side effect of chemo, which meant she spent all day in the hospital getting a platelet infusion. Something we didn't know at the time she would have many many more of. She never complained and insisted we still eat Christmas dinner without her. She didn't have an appetite anyway. The table was pretty quiet that afternoon. Again, not many pictures.
A bridal shower for our soon to be sister-in-law, Kristan. I must admit it was a pretty dang cute shower too. Red, white, and silver snowflakes was the theme. We had an awesome lunch and she was well prepared for marriage.
I'm so glad Christmas only comes once a year. And advice for anyone planning on getting married within a few weeks of Christmas...don't! It's just not fair to those who love you!
Tallan met his new soon-to-be cousin, Kailer. If these two were any more alike I'd question if they weren't really brothers. Look alike, act alike, love skateboards and motorcycles and dirt bikes. Trouble makers, silly name calling, and temper tantrums. But these boys love their mamas!
We took the youth to Temple Square to see the lights. It was absolutely freezing that night. Not a single girl complained. Everyone was so overwhelmed by the Spirit that was there. I love these girls like I love my own kids. I have to admit that I never really believed it when leaders would say it, but now I know what it feels like. I already get teary thinking of my 3 girls who are graduating this year and leaving me. I don't know what I'm going to do without seeing them a few times each week. I'm going to miss their sweet spirits, their texts during school just to say hi, and when they stop by to see me, and waking up to see my house decorated among other things. They are really special people.
Christmas cookies for the neighbors...
Brooklyn's Kindergarten Holiday Sing...
Keslie looks exactly like Brooklyn at 18 months. (Keslie is holding a picture of Brooklyn wearing the same shirt at the same age) Keslie finally started walking at 18 months and will someday love nursery as much as I do.
Christmas morning was kind of a blur. we had driven down to Hurricane on Christmas Eve...lots of people, lots of presents, and we didn't even get through them all before we noticed my mom was bleeding from her gums. A side effect of chemo, which meant she spent all day in the hospital getting a platelet infusion. Something we didn't know at the time she would have many many more of. She never complained and insisted we still eat Christmas dinner without her. She didn't have an appetite anyway. The table was pretty quiet that afternoon. Again, not many pictures.
A bridal shower for our soon to be sister-in-law, Kristan. I must admit it was a pretty dang cute shower too. Red, white, and silver snowflakes was the theme. We had an awesome lunch and she was well prepared for marriage.
I'm so glad Christmas only comes once a year. And advice for anyone planning on getting married within a few weeks of Christmas...don't! It's just not fair to those who love you!
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