I found a book

I'm usually a very devoted library book reader. I usually don't buy books. The advantage of buying a book is that it's safer to read in a bubble bath when it's your own book. Sooo when I was at Costco the other day I was looking at the books. This one had the hero (?) or love interest (?) named David Paxton. Well--- for 4.89 I had to get it!! Dave just laughed when I read him the back cover. I'll let you know how he does in the book.

Ah mothers day!!

Mothers day was great. I was treated so well. Not only did I get to be the mother but I also got to be the daughter to a wonderful mother. We spent the evening on Provo with my folks. I know she doesn't read my blog, but I have to say my mother is a true angel. She has taught me how to be a good wife, a good mother, a good grandmother, and a good sister. I've watched her my whole life and strive to be like her. She's been my ideal my whole life. To this day, as she lovingly and effectively cares for my Dad, I watch her and she teaches me without her even knowing.
We did have the extra special opportunity to talk with Aubrey. I'm so thankful we got to. She is very happy and even thinking she'll come home in December Rather than November when her 18 months is up. We'll see.
It was a great day.

Indexing happy

this is a little gem I found while indexing.  look at the wifes name just below the yellow rectangle.  Im thinking Ill change my name to pretty connie ;)

More happiness

aaahhhh, I love to get her pictures.  Her hair is getting long again.  I get to skype with her in about a week! last time till she gets home probably.  Then we wont skype much at all

Prom

getting ready for prom.

Pippin again

Last night of Pippin.  The kids had such a great time, and when my kids are happy-I'm happy---- usually

Signing more autographs

Watermelon train

Missing this boy!! Here's a picture Laura sent me of his ever favorite thing--- trains. In this case, its a watermelon train

More and more pippin

After the show Wednesday night

More pippin

at the end of each show, during the curtain call, Jacobs character threw out autographed pictures of himself to the audience.  Dave was lucky enough to get one

Missing this girl

what a doll!! can't wait to see her in a month and kiss her little toes and cheeks and neck... and hands  and tummy

Prom

after opening night of Pippin, Jacob came home to a "yes" on his prom request.  He went with a very awesome and fun girl Brelyn from Highland

Pippin

Katie

Another car

Feeding the giraffes

It was not with out some Kimmie squeals.

Kaylees awesome!

Bubbles with Kimmie

Trains and blocks

The German restaurant

We got to Laura's place on Thursday. Unfortunately Steve wasn't there because he was in Utah. His grandfather had passed away so Steve came out for the funeral. We went to a great German restaurant the first night and ha a great time with the Clarks.

Spring break 2012

Jacob spent most of the week in NYC with LHS drama kids and teachers

Spring break 2012

Jacob flew home the day we left for Colorado springs.

The end of an era

Laura and Steve left for Colorado on Conference Saturday. It was something I had not looked forward to. It's just the way it is, and I certainly don't blame them-- it's a new phase I guess. I've had the awesome blessing of being great friends with my little bud Jack. He brings so much happiness to this home. The aunts and uncles adore him and gma and gpa can not get enough of him. He is such a joy and a doll. When he came at Christmas time, I put little white Christmas lights on my headboard of the bed. When he would come over to visit after Christmas time, he felt it his duty to go turn the lights on and he often asked to go play games on my phone in my bed. I know he won't remember these times, but I will. We would watch the movie about the snowman, the all music one so we have sometimes would watch that with him even after Christmas. It will just be different. I can't get another cat.... what am I going to do?

Sundance!

Last week Davids company had a conference up at Sundance. He had a room to himself and a kingsize bed. Since it's only about 40 min away, I went up for two evenings. Though they had very little snow, even on the mountain, the air smelled so great and fresh up there. We had a snapping fire in the fireplace and watched movies. I invited the boys to come up and have dinner with me, but after looking at the menu on line, they werent impressed and we went to Applebys before I met Dave for the night.
It is a great perk of working for a company based else where! I just took one picture from the bed with many awesome feather pillows while I read. It was great

Family pictures, a few of my favorites

First snake of 2012

It's kind of difficult to see this one but Joseph found sweetie-kitty messing with a snake today. Thankfully she didn't try to bring it in the house. Joseph and I are going to start naming the snakes. This one had to have a name that starts with an "A". Albus was chosen by Joseph--- it didn't feel right to me-- but we went with it. Next snake will be "B" and maybe a girl name. We'll do this like the hurricanes. Oy

Pinterest try #2

I fixed the flowers so they don't look so wild. I do wonder how long it will be until the candy starts to ah... walk away. Not by me, trust me. I'm saving it all for real chocolate ;)

I do some indexing almost every day

I think I've written about indexing before and I'm still kind of obsessed with it. It has the same power of a good book on that it can take me to a different time. I do feel more productive indexing then reading. The other day I was working on the 1855 New York census. I came across a family with the last name "Goodenough". Awesome hua? Then I came across this little gem. Joseph Jones, 93 years old but "hoeing corn today" WOW how cool!! Thought I'd share the fun. Is it strange that I think this is fun?

A very sobering day, a good day

Today David and I went to the funeral of one of the funnest guys we know. He lived further down in the ward than we did, but he was in the ward just about as long as we lived there. It was typical to see Gordon driving down the road in a convertible I never knew he had, or on a gas powered scooter or some other fun devise you'd think to only see the under 18 crowd propelling down the road. (He was in his upper 40's) He has a ready smile and wit and laugh.

His wife Dixie is awesome and such an example to me. She was the RS president when we moved out. She is so kind, and so calm in every situation. I ache for her.
Gordon was diagnosed with leukemia shortly after Joseph didn't go to the MTC. That alone has helped me keep perspective most of the time. I knew Dixie was carrying on and doing what needed to be done, with out too much drama. I know this not because I was with her, but because I know her. This is her example to me, as well as for other reasons.

There was so many of their family members were there, so most of the cedar hollow 2nd ward sat in the over flow and cultural hall. It was heaven to be among so many members of our Lehi ward. So much love and and friendship and history there. Other members that had moved were also there. It really is a family with them. I'm so thankful to know them, to know Gordon, and Dixie. One of my dear friends wrote about Gordon on her blog. Her daughter was in Gordon's primary class. This little gal told her mom that her favorite thing about Brother Calkins was that after every primary class he would tell each child "love you". So that is my new goal. I teach some great young women at church, I need to tell them that I love them. They helped me more than they know in adjusting to our move.

There is no reason to with hold love from the ones that I do love. There is nothing wrong or weird about saying "love you" I'm going to do it more.

I know heaven is a better place with Gordon there. I know he is with loved ones, and hopefully time goes faster there, so he won't hurt too much for those he left behind. He has two missionaries out and hopefully he can help them.

I'm thankful for life and that we are here with many we love. It's certainly not an easy life, but friends and family continue to show me the way and add so much love to my life.

Pinterest dreams

Pintrest FAIL

So just how many jelly beans do I have to get?

We made cards for sisters day

This past Tuesday cute Jess showed us how to make cards. She had made some herself and they were so cute and happy. I made my two cards right off-- kinda copying Jess' design. One was a happy birthday card, and the other a thank you card. I was awesome. So awesome that my Mom asked me to make her cards for her. I started to get the things together to make her cards and I asked her what she wanted her cards to say. She thought a minute then said "Go To Heck" SOOOOO... that's how I made her card. It was awesome again. We were all giggling about it and decided we could have a line of cards under the name of "anonymous angry woman cards". You know, for those times you want to send a card with a certain message. Other ideas besides the original "Go To Heck" were, "you're not as cool as you think you are" and "no one cares". Though I try really hard to be sweet and keep my mouth shut, this silly idea was just fun to run with with the ladies of the sisters group.
What were the other angry messages we thought of?
Please dont think of me for this idea, and please please please never send me a card from an anonymous angry woman ;)

Guess what today is??

Has it really been 9 months already? And oddly-- there's still 9 months to go? I know. Very strange and weird. Just go with it.

Yesterday

For my birthday this past fall, David got me a couple of gifts that were outings. I had teased him that I would need to head to Disneyland after Joseph left on his mission, but instead he gave me a few other things to look forward to. Last night was gift #2. We went to Logan to see Jim Brickman in concert. Sitting there in the dark theater, two of his songs got tears streaming down my face- one was "love of my life" sung by Donny Osmond- (but not last night) and the other is a new one I don't know the name of. They were so sweet and so perfect for love songs as I sat there with my awesome husband. We stayed over and went to the Logan temple this morning. It was such a nice needed break. Very differently from what kind of break I thought I'd need when I opened it, but still wonderful and memorable.

Another thought I like

Sometimes I have a heavy heart.

Things are mostly ok. I have such great people in my life to keep me from not worrying too much. Sometimes I have to listen to Abba to pull my thoughts back. It's a good trick.

Beautiful People

I have a new friend that I visit teach. She actually knows Laura from AF hospital so we had an instant connection. Its great that I get to VT her. We went out on Monday and she asked about me and my missionaries. I told her the basics and she was so awesome. She was so kind and loving. Later that day, she sent me this quote that is a new favorite.

"The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat,
known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of
the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an
understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep
loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen."
--- Elizabeth Kubler Ross

I instantly thought of the most beautiful people I know, my Mom and other family members and close friends, and found out their secret. I knew I had to share this beautiful inspiring quote.

By their fruits ye shall know them

This past week was much longer and more difficult than I expected. I wont go into detail on everything, but Joseph was not able to make it to the MTC on Wednesday as expected. As of last night he was released as a full time missionary. He still has the opportunity to serve in Florida when he and the Bishop decide its time.

Since Wednesday morning we have had a couple of different responses. Mostly there has been an out pouring of love and support. There has been some anger, and disappointment and even some anti Mormon ideas thrown at Joseph. The love and acceptance from our family, and the Bishop and stake president have been monumental. Some brave souls have even come to Joseph to offer love and kindness. That is HUGE for this mama. Of course we wanted Joseph to go on Wednesday, Of course we want him to go when "the time is right"--- but my biggest fear is that he will be treated poorly and slowly walk away from the church.

Which leads me to the question- Have I helped or hurt others when the shoe is on the other foot? It is awkward to know what to say, it is not what any one planned. What I have seen help in the last 48 hours is people that express love and confidence with out asking prying questions, and letting Joseph know he is okay with them regardless of his choice.

David, Joseph and I have had several scriptures come to mind over the last few days. When I saw the onslaught of responses on fb to his not going into the MTC, it came over and over to mind, "Ye shall know them by their fruits" We've mostly seen angels with beautiful kind and loving Christ like "fruit", but we have seen the dark and ugly and destructive as well.
I'm learning anew how to share loving fruit and be a true disciple of Christ.
Thank you to those that read my blog and have shown support for our family. It is really weird and different than we expected. But the battle is the Lords. I can only hope to be a help and not a hurt.

Not just coincidence.

My sweet friend Penny is the YW president in our Highland ward. She is awesome and though just a little further on the path than I am is such a great role model for me. She is funny and classy and really likes the color pink. She gave all of the YW leaders a little pink reading schedule for the Book Of Mormon for Christmas. Yes, yes, I am behind generally (as in I didn't start on Jan 1, more like Jan 17) but here is the card for Jan 23, Jacob 5.
The President Benson quote spoke to my heart. Why is it a bit harder this time?

The last one in the nest

Chinese new year began yesterday so we went to the second annual Chinese New Year celebration last night at LHS. Here's Jacob performing his abilities with the diablo. He was so fun to watch, and the drums were so awesome too... It was a fun night

Oh my heart!

Shirt and tie party

So shopping for an elder is different than shopping for a Hermana. I call it the Christmas shopping theory. Some people are fine shopping for Christmas the day before the big day--- typically men. Women, including me, would rather have the whole thing wrapped up (literally) before Dec 15, if not earlier-
So it is with Joseph and me in this missionary physical prep. So early on, I had to take some control and we knocked out all the shirts at once, ya know, one stop, not too painful for the Elder. So that meant that our traditional "Shirt and Tie Party" became just a tie party. But Joseph totally scored!!
I have a very generous and loving family, not enough words to really describe my gratitude.

Sunday January 22- part of my letter to AJ says it all

We got to church just 5 min early, but the place was packed and as we walked in, I saw all the Haws side sitting together in two of the short benches in the side. It was so heart warming. I gave a few hugs, then went to find where Kim and Jacob were sitting. I saw President and Sister Raines then the Dixons- that got me weepy. Later the Fuestons came in. Jacobs buds from the Lehi ward were there-- it was really good, along with many guys Joseph's age. Randalls family, Cheryl, Garrett and Jenny and Clark and Sara were
there too. I know it wasn't about me, but I felt so blessed to have such a strong and numerous family. They are my people and in a way, my safety net. It was very touching.
Joseph gave a great talk with humor and much deep spirituality. I know he was worried, but he pulled it off beautifully. To add to the happiness one of the cute laurels was on the program too and they sat by each other. It was kind of like a date. ;)

Angie pope and Natalie Pixton both miamaids came to my class even though I wasn't teaching. They are beautiful girls. Some of the others went to our house during the last two hours of church, and honestly we missed Sunday school for all the visiting we did. But those that went home prepared the food under Jacobs instruction, so that was awesome for me. All the buddies played ping pong and ate downstairs while family pretty much stayed near the kitchen. It was all great and i think the day was perfect for Joseph. We ended with the shirt and tie party at the grands. They hadn't been able to make it to highland.
It was good! Not too crazy.

Friday we went with Joseph to do sealings which got me weepy again. To realize again I am sealed to both of these wonderful men is very very humbling and very tender.

Joseph just came up to is in tears of gratitude and some apprehension but his is faithful and stronger than he realizes.

It will be an interesting week but I look forward to your letter and update tomorrow . Hope your baptism is still on for next week.

It started with pinterest

A while ago I saw a cute cuddly minky/silky baby blanket on pinterest. I was sure it would be too tricky for me to make, but soon my sister Holly was whipping one up. Her new grandbaby had just arrived. With some coaching from Holly, I decided to try it. Hobby lobby had the best price on fabric. With Hollys advise I decided not to try and do it all at once. I was able to get it done for our little family baby shower a few days before tiny girl came. So here it is. It's not perfect but it is very soft.

An "at this moment" picture I sent to Aubrey

Got it done

He's smiling now

A fight?

The other day I was in the basement sewing. Well I was sitting on the couch down there so I must have been picking out sewing.
Sorry forgot to set this up right. Tuesday night Jacob came home from the y m activity. He wasn't really feeling part of this ward. To add to the burden he found out that rumors were being spread about him at LHS. Completely false rumors. So he was really down. We made a medicinal trip to applebys for their warm chocolate
Chip cookie with ice cream dessert. (David was in Houston). Jacob talked a lot to me and seemed to feel better.
Now skip ahead to Wednesday afternoon. Joseph and I are talking downstairs and we hear some one moving around upstairs. I said "is that Jacob?" Joseph said I think so and he looked up the stairs from the landing. Then he looked at me. Then he looked back up the stairs and said "what happened?". Slowly Jacob came down the stairs very seriously. He looked like he had a burn or abrasion on his neck and bleeding something on his forehead, and bruises and wounds on his other arm. I immediately thought he had been in a fight. A fight??? A fist fight? It's never happened before. He must have confronted a rumor spreader? Then he finally spoke and said. "in drama 3...." and I knew all was well. It was all make up. He had to buy me a Kneaders frilled cheese sandwich ad part of his repentance. I like the kids grilled cheese over the adult grilled cheese FYI. Medicinal of course.

A really awesome Friday 13

5 am on Friday the 13 I got a phone call inviting me to prepare to meet Kaylee. She wasn't born yet but would be soon. I sent my own birthday boy Joseph over to sleep the rest of the early hours over with big brother Jack. Laura had worked for the last 12 hours then was admitted to be "augmented" in labor. Her water was broken and she was given a tiny bit of pitocin and our new little love was born at 9:55 am. It was such a huge blessing to be there. Steve and I were in either side of Laura and I was even asked to cut the cord, which I had never done before. Im so thankful to Laura and Steve that I got to be there to witness the miracle and beauty of life. I kept thinking back 19!!! 19 years ago I was in exactly the same situation with my Joseph. It's easy to forget those things---
Right outside Laura's delivery room window, the spires of the temple kept reminding me how me how awesome this whole experience was. What an amazing day.