Jared is Called to Serve

OH MY HECK....OH MY HECK!  I've looked forward to this day for years, I have also dreaded this day for years.  It's a great thing to send a child on a mission.  Missions are the BEST thing available to help a kid grow up and become closer to our Lord.  But, it's hard too.  You worry...are they ready?...did I teach them enough?....will they be able to handle the pressure and responsibility?....will they be happy?.....just things like that!  But deep down you know that YES....they are ready, they did learn enough, they will be able to handle everything they experience, and yes, they will be happy!

We got a text this morning saying the call was here.  Jared had already left for school so Larry hurried over to the Post Office and picked it up.  Larry has been super excited and anxious for Jared's call.  He told Jared it was here and it was decided that after school we would meet at the shop so he could open it.  I let the grand parents and other kids know.  We all made it.  When everyone was there we went upstairs and Jared opened his call.  He glanced ahead and saw the place he would be serving and that's when his face lit up and that big smile covered his face.  He read it to all of us and immediately I felt such peace.  It was a wonderful feeling and I knew that is exactly the place for my son to serve.  It fits him to a tee.  Then he read when he would be leaving.  June 7, one of the four days I really hoped he wouldn't.  I am over the Special Needs Girl camp and we are going to Heber Valley and it is the 5-9.  I had a strong feeling this was going to happen and so I guess I will make sure I am ready and very prepared so I can leave when I need to.  I've got it most of it planned in my head and so I will really work on getting it finished so I can focus on Jared.

I can't even express how happy we all are.  I am really not concerned after feeling the peace come over me.  I know Jared has a purpose in life and he is going to be an awesome missionary.  He is such a hard working young man and is so kind and respectful!  The people of Alaska are going to love my boy and be blessed by him as he shares the message of Christ with them.  I also feel like Jared will be treated so well by the people in Alaska...I've heard wonderful things about that place.

Larry talked Jared out of going on a graduation trip with his friend and they had decided that  they would go somewhere instead.  Jared had chose to go to Alaska.  There isn't time for a graduation trip since he is leaving so soon after graduating but now he gets to go to Alaska anyway...just not with Larry.  He's so excited!

I know missions are called of God.  It's obvious to us that each of our sons have been called exactly where they needed to be.  I am so thankful for the Holy Ghost and the comfort and peace that he gives me!  I love the Gospel of Jesus Christ and I know that it is true and complete! We are so blessed!

Book Club

Susan hosted book club today and so after bowling I went right over.  I am glad I was able to have a few minutes to visit with Susan before the others came.  I admire Susan to pieces.  Susan is so good at everything and can do absolutely anything.  She is so smart and I like just soaking in as much of her goodness as possible.  I feel that way about all these ladies.  They all have so much good in them.  I love them and care about them so much.

I'm happy that we got back to just talking about books and eliminating lunch.  We do talk about what's going on in our lives too but then we share our views on books.  Susan did have a few treats set out and some water if anyone wanted and when I had to take a call I did take a little but that wasn't our focus.  Our focus was on books.  I brought home a book and that's what I like to do.  I like being so interested in a book that I want to read it.  I wasn't able to stay and hear all the reports because Jared's mission call came and he was going to open it at Larry's shop after school.  I was anxious.  I think I only missed one or two of the ladies reviews though and so that was good.  I text them all after sharing our good news.

Sadie's Two

I took this collage from Kelsi because it's just so darn cute.  Little Sadie Lou is quite the girl.  She is such a good sport and goes along with any crazy idea her daddy has.  She's such a happy little one.  Sadie is learning to talk and says things that are understandable.  She likes coming to her gramma's.  (mine and grandma Lou's)  She is very social and friendly.  She's so expressive and loves hugs.  I love when she comes to me to be held and loved on.  Sadie is adventurous which is a good thing since Braxton lives for adventure.  Sadie loves to play and is good at entertaining herself now.  I loved watching her play with some little people the other day.  She had them sitting on couches and riding on little ponies.  She knew what they were suppose to do.  Sadie is such a sweetie and I'm so happy that she was born to Braxton and Kelsi.  She truly is a wonderful blessing in our family.  I love this cutie patootie!

Celebrating with Jaydan

We had an enjoyable evening with Jaydan John.  Jaydan makes me smile.  He is seriously a happy kid and is usually smiling and making jokes.  He's just fun.  Jaydan chose to go to Red Robin this year.  I like Red Robin.  I told our waiter we were celebrating Jaydan's birthday and so he got a free shake.  Yeah Baby!  We got a stack of onion rings for an appetizer and I even liked them...of course I pulled the onion out and just ate the outside but it was yummy.☺  Jaydan is a fine young man and I really hope he meets his eternal companion sometime soon.  I wonder about her...I am getting excited to meet her.  I really think it's time.  Jaydan has a great attitude though and is a patient guy and will just keep looking until they find each other.  I'm proud of Jaydan and all that he accomplishes.  I don't think it'd be easy to follow four active siblings and he manages his spot in the family quite well.  We are all grateful for this fun, loving kid.  I'm so glad he's mine!

Valentines Day

I'm a gal that likes and enjoys the Holidays.  I love Valentines Day.  I remember loving to choose the perfect Valentine for my friends and enjoyed putting them on their steps and running or putting them in their homemade Valentine box at school.  I remember one year when my dad gave me Mystic Mint Cookies for Valentines Day because I loved them so much. It was fun then and I have always enjoyed this day.  I still like giving out Valentines to my family and friends.  This year I bought the grands the cute little box of chocolates.  I loved getting them as a kid and seriously it was the box I liked more than the candy.  I made up little valentine bags with kisses and hugs for friends and my kids at home.  I got Larry a stuffed bear because he loves stuffed animals and some of his favorite treats.  I made a yummy dinner that included raspberry cheesecake since it's Jaydan's favorite.  Doing these things made me feel so good inside.  I know Larry felt bad because he always sends me flowers and didn't this year because we are headed to California and I wouldn't enjoy them.  I tried to reassure him that it was all good and it seriously was.  He did get me a gift though and I will always appreciate him for taking such good care of me.

When we were in Hawaii we ordered a Bamboo Mattress.  We ordered a Queen because that's what we have and that's the size of our headboard.  However, the last few years I feel like I am smothered in this size bed.  I know it's since menopause but baby it's real!  I need my space.  When we got home from Hawaii I remembered quickly how I really "needed" a King size bed after enjoying one for the last week in Hawaii.  So, Larry got on the phone and called the cute kid in Hawaii and ordered us the King.  I could care less if we ever get a headboard, I am just thrilled I am going to have some space. The whole bed thing ended up being quite hilarious.  Months ago when we went and looked at mattresses I told Justin and Natalie they could have our bed because I didn't want Kimi and Jared fighting over it.  I forgot that though because that was months ago.  When we ordered the new mattress Jaydan was with us and so I told him he could have our bed if he would let Jared have his.  Larry remembered that I had promised it to Justin but didn't say a word.  He told me he was willing to let them just be mad at me. ☺  Jaydan wouldn't have cared and would have been fine with it but the way this all ended worked out good for everyone.  Larry and I both hate returning things and so instead of returning the new mattress when it comes, Larry decided to let Justin make payments on it.  I think we all ended up pretty happy.  Well, Larry might not be quite as happy since our mattress just doubled in price for the time being.☺

Kimleighel, Jared, Larry and I decided to watch a movie together.  We were enjoying it when Braxton called to see if we would come sit with Sadie since Kelsi was having labor pains.  We all went up to their house and finished watching the movie.  Larry ended up bringing the kids home and came back up to get me around 2:00 since the hospital sent Kelsi home because her contractions weren't changing anything.  I was exhausted and so was everyone else.  Little man needs to stay put for another week.

Today was good!  I had lots of love send to me and I did a little of sending some out as well.

I Believe in Angels

Today I went through the car wash with my back window open.....again. ☺  There's a little bit of history about me going through the car wash with my windows open.  I don't open them but Shay, my little angel friend does.  Believe me it's her....I know! It hasn't happened for a few years but today after the place I go to had squirted down my car completely and washed it with their brushes before I even entered, Shay came to my mind.  I believe that when loved ones enter our minds out of the blue it's because they are there with us and we are feeling them.  Anyway the thought of Shay opening my windows before crossed my mind.  I knew my windows were up since my entire car had just been cleaned by the workers.  I even made sure that my elbows and hands were no where close to the controls.  I was actually leaning away from the door.  I was wiping my dash as my car was being pushed through the wash and that's when it hit.....I'm talking about the water.  The back window on the passenger side was completely unrolled.  My car was filling with soap.  I started laughing and hurried and rolled the window up.  I couldn't help but laugh out loud. This girl has always made me laugh and I could hear her laughing with me and pictured her in my mind.  It was hilarious!  I was so glad that this place I get my car cleaned at has towels to dry your car with because I needed a few.  Shay and I had a little moment as my thoughts were completely of her.  It made me happy to think that I was being thought of today.  I guess this was her way of wishing me a Happy Valentines Day.  My car got cleaned completely which it needed.  Oh how I love Shay and the fun girl she is!  I'm so glad she visited me today and that it was the back window she chose to open and not mine! ☺

Jaydan is 26

Boy the time flies!  My cute little valentine turned 26 years old today.  I am so thankful that this boy was born to me.  Jaydan seriously such a sweetheart...Valentines Day is the perfect day for him to be born.  This kid has such a good attitude.  It's rare to see him down. He jokes constantly and is always making everyone laugh.  Jaydan is adventurous and works hard.  He likes to play hard too.  Jaydan is a kind soul and makes Kimleighel and Jared always feel included.  (they adore him)  Jaydan was by far my easiest child to take anywhere.  He didn't get into things or throw fits.  He has always been pretty content.  No wonder there is a five year gap between him and Kimleighel, I was enjoying Jaydan and didn't get baby hungry.  Jaydan is a responsible kid.  He has always been one that expects or demands very little.  I'm so thankful I got started with him or I don't think he would have survived.  God knew our family needed Jaydan!  What a privilege it is to be this kids mom!