Tonight I join, what I am safe in saying, thousands of heartbroken people mourning the passing of a mutual and beloved friend. Bruce Evans, who has truly been a brilliant light unto the world, has battled cancer for the past year. We've prayed, shed tears and ached for his beautiful family for months, petitioning the Lord to grant him and them all strength and peace. No matter how grim the prognosis has been throughout the past months, the news is still breathtaking.
My heart aches.
It aches for beautiful, radiant Connie. The very thought of her loneliness right now is crushing.
It aches for his children; all of whom are very aware of just how amazing their father is.
I say 'is' because I believe wholeheartedly in life after this one, that the promise that we'll be together as forever families when we are sealed in the temple is true. And that he is an incredible example of a life worthy of such a promise.
Bruce and Connie moved to our home town of Dugway, Utah around 1993. They were immediately adored by the community, as people with that kind of sparkle do and they quickly became assets to the community and our church congregation. Shortly afterward, he was called to be the bishop of our LDS ward.
He and Connie had indelible impacts on many of us as teenagers. I have siblings and siblings-in-law who attribute many of their good choices to Bruce and Connie's example. More personally, he and Connie helped me decide who I wanted to be. They showed me a virtuous and lovely example of the kind of marriage I could have someday and taught me so much about how to be worthy of one.
Upon meeting Bruce, he left us with the impression of unquestionable devotion for Connie. Likewise, Connie's love for him was equally obvious. Together, they taught us, that love like this is real, precious and can not possibly be fabricated.
As Bishop, Bruce was a force for great good.
He always showed us a great deal of love and compassion. He served with power, cheerfulness and an ever protective arm. In fact, as gentle and kind as he was to all of us, I remember his commanding presence. When I envision Captain Moroni, I envision him. Although it was doubtful anyone of us could ever incur his wrath we knew that no one had better mess with any of us because whoever did, would have him to deal with. He made us feel safe.
One of my favorite memories of Bruce is when He-Man, my best friend, Heather and I were 'orphaned' during our LDS pioneer trek during youth conference in the summer of 1994. As is the custom in many areas, we were recreating the Mormon Pioneer Trek west. During this time, both our 'parents' became ill and had to leave the 3 day activity. We were alone.
I will never forget the cheerfulness in which he grabbed our handcart and began walking with us. He sang to us when we were discouraged. He laughed with us. He cheered with us. He was there when I felt that first sacred, beautiful feeling of real love for the boy who would become my husband.
The time Bruce and Connie lived in Dugway was short, but their impact ever lasting upon the hearts and lives of those of us who love them. They are forever friends to so many. As years past and lives have gone on, they've been the kind of people you could catch up with on any given day, as if no time had past.
Bruce Evans passed from this life peacefully, surrounded by the people he loves the most. There's a certain peace in knowing this. I'm so sad for the tears that are being shed and the many more that will come. Yet, I know that his family will see him again. He and Connie, beautiful, amazing Connie, are sealed for time and eternity. I know this in part because this very thing is something Bishop Evans instilled in me.
May I live in a way that would truly bare witness to God's simple and beautiful truths, such as the way Bruce has conducted his life.
To the reader of this blog entry, please pray for this sweet family. Please.
Life is too short not to say I love you. So I'm saying it now. I love you.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Alright, Alright, I'll do it!
Do you remember those cartoons where the characters get hit over the head with a frying pan and it makes the sound, "B-OOOOOO-NNNN-G"? Then because they haven't learned anything they go in for more and get smooshed by an ACME (whatever that is) truck. Of course, if you're like me and make like Wylie E Coyote, you go in another time and get clobbered by a huge air born mallet that came out of no-where, which results in an enormous goose egg and missing teeth.
I'm happy to report I'm coming out of this latest experience with all my teeth. But I'm sure I have that very telling, 'deer in the headlights' expression. Let me explain...
He-Man and I have, after being dragged kicking and screaming, decided to home school our children. Don't get me wrong. Many of the most amazing women I know successfully home school their children (yes, I'm talking about you, Kelley, Desiree and Abby). They're raising beautiful, confident and socially adept children. I guess I've just always had the fear that my kids are going to be the ones who stand in the corner at social functions, picking their nose and wiping it on the wall. All the education in the world's not going to do you a lick of good if no one wants to shake your hand.
Anyway, back to the present. I've been ignoring that sick feeling I've had that something is off right now. I've pushed aside the looks of terror Bunny gives me as the bus driver has to literally pick her up off the ground to get her on the bus. I've tried to shrug off the stomach aches and complaints both my children have given me as we've prepared for the nearly 1 mile trip to the bus stop.
Tuesday night, we hunkered down, after identifying the problem and beating the dead horse for days, we made the decision and acted upon it. Amazingly enough, I felt as light as a feather after months of feeling so worried and weighed down. I then did what I do when I need to process. I went for a run. A good, hard core run. After that, my resolve was set. I am doing the right thing.
Being a person who firmly believes in divine personal revelation, having prayed very fervently for an answer, the response I got is all I need to act. So, I have about a billion points of interest swimming in my head and must present them in order to organize myself. Bloggers, please feel free to input...
*Even before we got here, we'd been warned by several people that the school district is REALLY lacking. Even He-Man's boss (who is a mainstream doctor and a military commander) warned us and encouraged us to consider home school. Since the district scored so poorly on testing years back, they've resolved their failings with all day kindergarten, loads of homework, less recess and greater pressure for test performance. Maybe this works, but since my kids are already stressed out right now, it's translated into daily meltdowns and they are not pretty.
*I'm really hesitant to give up my one on two time with Lulu and Reeses. We're having a good time right now. Besides, Lulu's daily path of destruction keeps me busy enough during the day. Seriously, how on earth can she empty that much nail polish so quickly?!
*I'm surrounded by families in our neighborhood and church members whose experiences are very positive in this school district. That has given me justification that everything's fine the way it is...But really it's not. At least for us right now. The girls are REALLY struggling. Completely aside from the fact the girls have good teachers, they are hurting and need me. Period. Another reason that makes what we're doing enough.
*Sunshine is a very strong child, certainly destined for greatness. She can debate like a pro (she gets that from her Daddy) One of the best things for her being in school is learning tolerance, patience for others and realizing that she is NOT the boss. I don't want to teach her that if she's unhappy with the dynamics of a group of personalities, she can just leave the situation. I'm not sure how we are going to work this out, but since this is the right course of action, it will work out.
*I'm excited about the prospect of adventure. I want to go on field trips, teach my kids how to cook, explore the local history, etc. He-Man and I drove to Saint Augustine's the other night...it was magical! I want to take my kids there, to explore the oldest town in America, to do grave rubbings, to walk the historic beaches. I want to take a day trip to Savannah and patronize the 'Gone With The Wind" museum...sigh!
*The best part of this is that we'll be around each other all the time. The worst part of this is we'll be around each other the time.
*Once I realized that this decision doesn't have to be permanent, I stopped feeling so much pressure. We'll just keep revisiting this every year.
Okay, now that I've covered the big ones, I'm suddenly tired. Look at me!! I can't even write about it without being exhausted! Sheesh!
I'm happy to report I'm coming out of this latest experience with all my teeth. But I'm sure I have that very telling, 'deer in the headlights' expression. Let me explain...
He-Man and I have, after being dragged kicking and screaming, decided to home school our children. Don't get me wrong. Many of the most amazing women I know successfully home school their children (yes, I'm talking about you, Kelley, Desiree and Abby). They're raising beautiful, confident and socially adept children. I guess I've just always had the fear that my kids are going to be the ones who stand in the corner at social functions, picking their nose and wiping it on the wall. All the education in the world's not going to do you a lick of good if no one wants to shake your hand.
Anyway, back to the present. I've been ignoring that sick feeling I've had that something is off right now. I've pushed aside the looks of terror Bunny gives me as the bus driver has to literally pick her up off the ground to get her on the bus. I've tried to shrug off the stomach aches and complaints both my children have given me as we've prepared for the nearly 1 mile trip to the bus stop.
Tuesday night, we hunkered down, after identifying the problem and beating the dead horse for days, we made the decision and acted upon it. Amazingly enough, I felt as light as a feather after months of feeling so worried and weighed down. I then did what I do when I need to process. I went for a run. A good, hard core run. After that, my resolve was set. I am doing the right thing.
Being a person who firmly believes in divine personal revelation, having prayed very fervently for an answer, the response I got is all I need to act. So, I have about a billion points of interest swimming in my head and must present them in order to organize myself. Bloggers, please feel free to input...
*Even before we got here, we'd been warned by several people that the school district is REALLY lacking. Even He-Man's boss (who is a mainstream doctor and a military commander) warned us and encouraged us to consider home school. Since the district scored so poorly on testing years back, they've resolved their failings with all day kindergarten, loads of homework, less recess and greater pressure for test performance. Maybe this works, but since my kids are already stressed out right now, it's translated into daily meltdowns and they are not pretty.
*I'm really hesitant to give up my one on two time with Lulu and Reeses. We're having a good time right now. Besides, Lulu's daily path of destruction keeps me busy enough during the day. Seriously, how on earth can she empty that much nail polish so quickly?!
*I'm surrounded by families in our neighborhood and church members whose experiences are very positive in this school district. That has given me justification that everything's fine the way it is...But really it's not. At least for us right now. The girls are REALLY struggling. Completely aside from the fact the girls have good teachers, they are hurting and need me. Period. Another reason that makes what we're doing enough.
*Sunshine is a very strong child, certainly destined for greatness. She can debate like a pro (she gets that from her Daddy) One of the best things for her being in school is learning tolerance, patience for others and realizing that she is NOT the boss. I don't want to teach her that if she's unhappy with the dynamics of a group of personalities, she can just leave the situation. I'm not sure how we are going to work this out, but since this is the right course of action, it will work out.
*I'm excited about the prospect of adventure. I want to go on field trips, teach my kids how to cook, explore the local history, etc. He-Man and I drove to Saint Augustine's the other night...it was magical! I want to take my kids there, to explore the oldest town in America, to do grave rubbings, to walk the historic beaches. I want to take a day trip to Savannah and patronize the 'Gone With The Wind" museum...sigh!
*The best part of this is that we'll be around each other all the time. The worst part of this is we'll be around each other the time.
*Once I realized that this decision doesn't have to be permanent, I stopped feeling so much pressure. We'll just keep revisiting this every year.
Okay, now that I've covered the big ones, I'm suddenly tired. Look at me!! I can't even write about it without being exhausted! Sheesh!
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
A Creepy Crawly Day...
Eight-Legged Freaks
"M-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-M!" screamed our five year old Bunny, "There are a bunch of cockroaches crawling all over the coffee table!"
"WHAT?! I screamed. My immediate urge was throw up then take a shower.
*I have just recently decided that cockroaches are the most disgusting, vile and dysfunctional creatures on the planet. He-Man kills them for me if we ever see them...and with the freezing weather recently, it seems that all sorts of little visitors have been popping up in the house. The problem is, he tends to use my shoes to carry out the execution order.
I've also decided that only Disney could possibly make cockroaches cute. Although, I'm not even sure watching WALL-E again is going to redeem them.
Turns out, they weren't cockroaches. They were tiny little spiders from an egg that hatched somewhere around there. Gross. My skin is still crawling. Even after vacuuming I can't find where the egg was
Ants
We have an ant problem. The past tenants, who I continue to try to have happy, heartwarming feelings towards, (when I succeed, I let you know with a list of good qualities I'm sure they possess) left disgusting messes in the cupboards which included left over food, crumbs and sticky stuff. This, of course, was basically an announcement to the massive ant population of the greater metropolitan area that there was an on going kegger at our house. While I clean up the messes I find, I still keep finding more and more makeshift flyers for the feast.
Last night we put out ant bait. This morning, I went to hide it away from curious hands only to find hundreds of ants gathered around it, in what I can only assume was their makeshift disco ball.
Fuzzy Whatever It Is
We have an Easter box that has recently been an emitting a certain earthy, rotten smell. I first noticed it when we were preparing for our move and organizing our rubbermaids and again when we got here and organized them in their new closet.
Last night, I pulled out the box again to retrieve some Valentines and was bowled over by the smell. I think it must've magnified by 10 since we last opened it. After a brief inspection that turned up nothing I thought it would be prudent to air it out and leave the box open in the office. Which only incited reactions such as:
"Ewwww! What is that smell?!"
"Mom! RP has a stinky diaper...I think."
"Gross, Mom! Was that you?!"
Finally, I dived in and took a closer look...er, sniff. Note to self and anyone reading this: NEVER make the choice to inhale deeply when elbow deep in suspect Easter supplies from years past. After investigating the baskets, left over grass and decor, I opened up the reusable plastic eggs...and there, nestled in pile was a black, fuzzy and horribly stinky something. I have no idea what it was. All I know is that it got on my hand!
Sheesh! I think I'm going to sleep with the lights ON tonight.
"M-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-M!" screamed our five year old Bunny, "There are a bunch of cockroaches crawling all over the coffee table!"
"WHAT?! I screamed. My immediate urge was throw up then take a shower.
*I have just recently decided that cockroaches are the most disgusting, vile and dysfunctional creatures on the planet. He-Man kills them for me if we ever see them...and with the freezing weather recently, it seems that all sorts of little visitors have been popping up in the house. The problem is, he tends to use my shoes to carry out the execution order.
I've also decided that only Disney could possibly make cockroaches cute. Although, I'm not even sure watching WALL-E again is going to redeem them.
Turns out, they weren't cockroaches. They were tiny little spiders from an egg that hatched somewhere around there. Gross. My skin is still crawling. Even after vacuuming I can't find where the egg was
Ants
We have an ant problem. The past tenants, who I continue to try to have happy, heartwarming feelings towards, (when I succeed, I let you know with a list of good qualities I'm sure they possess) left disgusting messes in the cupboards which included left over food, crumbs and sticky stuff. This, of course, was basically an announcement to the massive ant population of the greater metropolitan area that there was an on going kegger at our house. While I clean up the messes I find, I still keep finding more and more makeshift flyers for the feast.
Last night we put out ant bait. This morning, I went to hide it away from curious hands only to find hundreds of ants gathered around it, in what I can only assume was their makeshift disco ball.
Fuzzy Whatever It Is
We have an Easter box that has recently been an emitting a certain earthy, rotten smell. I first noticed it when we were preparing for our move and organizing our rubbermaids and again when we got here and organized them in their new closet.
Last night, I pulled out the box again to retrieve some Valentines and was bowled over by the smell. I think it must've magnified by 10 since we last opened it. After a brief inspection that turned up nothing I thought it would be prudent to air it out and leave the box open in the office. Which only incited reactions such as:
"Ewwww! What is that smell?!"
"Mom! RP has a stinky diaper...I think."
"Gross, Mom! Was that you?!"
Finally, I dived in and took a closer look...er, sniff. Note to self and anyone reading this: NEVER make the choice to inhale deeply when elbow deep in suspect Easter supplies from years past. After investigating the baskets, left over grass and decor, I opened up the reusable plastic eggs...and there, nestled in pile was a black, fuzzy and horribly stinky something. I have no idea what it was. All I know is that it got on my hand!
Sheesh! I think I'm going to sleep with the lights ON tonight.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Memory Monday: The Dignified Way To Moon Someone...
This memory goes all the way back to the summer of 1994. I was enjoying the last one before my senior year of high school and looking forward to all the activities that came with it. This meant LDS Girl's Camp.
Many of you are familiar with this concept. Some are not. Essentially, it meant that every summer, LDS girls over the age of eleven and under the age of 18 spent a week in the wilderness, camping in tents with or without indoor plumbing, consuming massive amounts of smores and certifying our camping skills. Certification included basic first aid, how to start a fire and then how to extinguish it when you realize just how flammable tumbleweeds are, and other such pertinent information such as learning how to make a makeshift toilet. Here's were this particular story begins.
As part of my final year of certification, we were required to go on a hike. As far as I remember it, the plan was to hike for 3 miles or so (the requirement has since changed and it's now longer) and camp over night in a previously designated clearing. The leaders decided to fulfill this part of our certification a few weeks before camp to make it easier on us while we were filling leadership roles during the actual girl's camp. We were instructed to pack LOTS of water and a hobo dinner, a sleeping bag, a blanket and a back pack to carry all of it in.
That is what I did. I packed my pack which included an over abundance of water since I had had the mortal fear of dehydration pounded into my brain. I met the group (which included male chaperones, one of which happened to be my high school history teacher, who was also a leader in our clergy) at the designated area having already consumed at least a few bottles of water. That was my first mistake. Not going to the bathroom before we left was my second.
I was revved up to go and positively swimming from the amount of water I had consumed. No worries since I was going to sweat it off during our quick hike to our destination. Turns out, there was a misunderstanding. If I remember correctly, it was revealed that the person in charge of scouting out the trail didn't actually do it and the 'quick' hike we were sure would be over before sundown ended up being much longer. And up-hill. And...wait for it...no port-a-potties. We all made it to the clearing after 9:00 that night starving and desperately needing to use the outhouse....which, we discovered, didn't actually exist.
Luckily for us, someone brought a shovel and a tarp..you know, for privacy. Luckily, we were certified on how to deal with this situation. Unlucky for me, I never thought I would ever actually have to go to the bathroom in a hole with only a sheet of plastic separating me from half of my high school friends, local clergy members and one of my teachers. It was cold and breezy...and everything echoed!
That night as my hobo dinner was sizzling on the campfire I could not remember a time when I had to go to the bathroom more than at that moment. Starving only a little while before, the whimpers of my neglected appetite were hushed beneath the anguished wails of my bladder. Yet, my pride would not allow me to do what I needed to do in such a public forum. It was then and there that I made my decision. I would wait it out and go when we got back to civilization the next day.
Finally, it was bed time. The sooner we went to sleep, the sooner we could get home. That turned out to be one of the loooooonnnnnggggggeeeest nights of my life. I could have watched the stars as they twinkled but I couldn't. I could have taken notes on who snored that loudest and used it for blackmail later. Not so much. I was afraid to move for fear that my bladder would actually explode. I couldn't sleep and almost allowed myself a trip to the hole, but just couldn't bring myself to do it.
Hours past. I started to sweat. I wanted to throw up. I wanted to sleep. I wanted to go home, not to my comfortable bed with it's soft sheets and pillows or cushy couch and throws but to my own bathroom. That's all I wanted. The melodramatic tears came. Oh the misery and whoa! I remember thinking, "This must be what hell is like." More tears. Then came the quiet sobs. Did anyone ever die from their bladder exploding in the wilderness? I thought I was about to. Just how much worst would the humiliation of a wet sleeping bag be in the morning?
After what seemed like an eternity, dawn broke and people began to stir. I should've just gone before it was light but being delirious, I wasn't thinking clearly. Breakfast was being prepared, I stood up and gravity intensified my misery.
I couldn't do it any longer. I had to face the hole. The disgusting, putrid hole behind the rope and bright blue tarp and stick that cheerfully dispensed the roll of toilet paper. "Good morning to you" it said. "Bite me, you toilet paper roll! You don't know real pain!" It was then and there I no longer cared about echoes, holes or dignity. I squatted an unpracticed inexperienced squat, in the wrong direction, did what I needed to do and hastily began my retreat back to the safety of the sleeping bag (that barely made it out unscathed.) It was then that I realized that I over estimated the bright blue tarp in reference to where I chose to stand. This all happened as my high school history teacher was awakening and sat up-all the while being at the very rare and unfortunate angle where he could witness a full moon at sunrise. Normally, this wouldn't have been an issue to anyone else less clumsy, even slightly more graceful and who didn't stick their bum out too far.
Anyone who knows me, knows my propensity for apologizing. This was one of those situations where I never could quite find the words. Until now.
To my history teacher: Please accept my completely mortified and abject apologies. Had they a color, they would be a cross between the scarlet of humiliation and the green of nausea. It was never my intention for your morning to greet you in such a manner; as a victim of another's clumsy indignity. Please rest assured I never intended the bad karma from rigging the camp's outhouse a couple of years ago with petroleum jelly, saran wrap and twine, to punish you. I initially thought that going to the bathroom in a bush to avoid the mess I made, then tripping and falling...down stream, would be payback enough...but it wasn't and now you suffer. I guess karma was particularly mad about that one. For what it's worth you have my sincerest and most purple faced apologies
On another note, why I would be okay with bushes and not a hole? I never, ever claimed to be the wisest or most logical teenager.
Many of you are familiar with this concept. Some are not. Essentially, it meant that every summer, LDS girls over the age of eleven and under the age of 18 spent a week in the wilderness, camping in tents with or without indoor plumbing, consuming massive amounts of smores and certifying our camping skills. Certification included basic first aid, how to start a fire and then how to extinguish it when you realize just how flammable tumbleweeds are, and other such pertinent information such as learning how to make a makeshift toilet. Here's were this particular story begins.
As part of my final year of certification, we were required to go on a hike. As far as I remember it, the plan was to hike for 3 miles or so (the requirement has since changed and it's now longer) and camp over night in a previously designated clearing. The leaders decided to fulfill this part of our certification a few weeks before camp to make it easier on us while we were filling leadership roles during the actual girl's camp. We were instructed to pack LOTS of water and a hobo dinner, a sleeping bag, a blanket and a back pack to carry all of it in.
That is what I did. I packed my pack which included an over abundance of water since I had had the mortal fear of dehydration pounded into my brain. I met the group (which included male chaperones, one of which happened to be my high school history teacher, who was also a leader in our clergy) at the designated area having already consumed at least a few bottles of water. That was my first mistake. Not going to the bathroom before we left was my second.
I was revved up to go and positively swimming from the amount of water I had consumed. No worries since I was going to sweat it off during our quick hike to our destination. Turns out, there was a misunderstanding. If I remember correctly, it was revealed that the person in charge of scouting out the trail didn't actually do it and the 'quick' hike we were sure would be over before sundown ended up being much longer. And up-hill. And...wait for it...no port-a-potties. We all made it to the clearing after 9:00 that night starving and desperately needing to use the outhouse....which, we discovered, didn't actually exist.
Luckily for us, someone brought a shovel and a tarp..you know, for privacy. Luckily, we were certified on how to deal with this situation. Unlucky for me, I never thought I would ever actually have to go to the bathroom in a hole with only a sheet of plastic separating me from half of my high school friends, local clergy members and one of my teachers. It was cold and breezy...and everything echoed!
That night as my hobo dinner was sizzling on the campfire I could not remember a time when I had to go to the bathroom more than at that moment. Starving only a little while before, the whimpers of my neglected appetite were hushed beneath the anguished wails of my bladder. Yet, my pride would not allow me to do what I needed to do in such a public forum. It was then and there that I made my decision. I would wait it out and go when we got back to civilization the next day.
Finally, it was bed time. The sooner we went to sleep, the sooner we could get home. That turned out to be one of the loooooonnnnnggggggeeeest nights of my life. I could have watched the stars as they twinkled but I couldn't. I could have taken notes on who snored that loudest and used it for blackmail later. Not so much. I was afraid to move for fear that my bladder would actually explode. I couldn't sleep and almost allowed myself a trip to the hole, but just couldn't bring myself to do it.
Hours past. I started to sweat. I wanted to throw up. I wanted to sleep. I wanted to go home, not to my comfortable bed with it's soft sheets and pillows or cushy couch and throws but to my own bathroom. That's all I wanted. The melodramatic tears came. Oh the misery and whoa! I remember thinking, "This must be what hell is like." More tears. Then came the quiet sobs. Did anyone ever die from their bladder exploding in the wilderness? I thought I was about to. Just how much worst would the humiliation of a wet sleeping bag be in the morning?
After what seemed like an eternity, dawn broke and people began to stir. I should've just gone before it was light but being delirious, I wasn't thinking clearly. Breakfast was being prepared, I stood up and gravity intensified my misery.
I couldn't do it any longer. I had to face the hole. The disgusting, putrid hole behind the rope and bright blue tarp and stick that cheerfully dispensed the roll of toilet paper. "Good morning to you" it said. "Bite me, you toilet paper roll! You don't know real pain!" It was then and there I no longer cared about echoes, holes or dignity. I squatted an unpracticed inexperienced squat, in the wrong direction, did what I needed to do and hastily began my retreat back to the safety of the sleeping bag (that barely made it out unscathed.) It was then that I realized that I over estimated the bright blue tarp in reference to where I chose to stand. This all happened as my high school history teacher was awakening and sat up-all the while being at the very rare and unfortunate angle where he could witness a full moon at sunrise. Normally, this wouldn't have been an issue to anyone else less clumsy, even slightly more graceful and who didn't stick their bum out too far.
Anyone who knows me, knows my propensity for apologizing. This was one of those situations where I never could quite find the words. Until now.
To my history teacher: Please accept my completely mortified and abject apologies. Had they a color, they would be a cross between the scarlet of humiliation and the green of nausea. It was never my intention for your morning to greet you in such a manner; as a victim of another's clumsy indignity. Please rest assured I never intended the bad karma from rigging the camp's outhouse a couple of years ago with petroleum jelly, saran wrap and twine, to punish you. I initially thought that going to the bathroom in a bush to avoid the mess I made, then tripping and falling...down stream, would be payback enough...but it wasn't and now you suffer. I guess karma was particularly mad about that one. For what it's worth you have my sincerest and most purple faced apologies
On another note, why I would be okay with bushes and not a hole? I never, ever claimed to be the wisest or most logical teenager.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Late, And Maybe Not Worth the Wait, But Still Here...
I am finally saying my New Year's Resolutions out loud. I love New Year's Resolutions and while I generally don't accomplish them 100%, when I make a point to remember them throughout the year, I do end up being at least a little successful at being me, only a bit better. So here's to the education that is 2010...
1. Complete the New Testament. I've been reading the New Testament. I've felt grateful for the insights I've gain from it and value very much the greater understanding I've gotten from it. However, a couple of months ago, I felt like I could be getting more from it. So, I decided to really study it. I'm rereading, taking notes, writing questions and seeking answers. I've also been using supplemental books that have helped a great deal. I'm really enjoying the results. I would like to be done by the end of August 2010 and start the Old Testament in such a manner.
2. To Not Make Any Weight Loss Goals. I just had a baby and have some work to do to reach my physical fitness goals. But I also battled an eating disorder for eleven years. This is and always will be dangerous territory. I've spent too much time obsessing over this issue in years past. The consequences of such destructive behavior affected my family, my children negatively, particularly my first. I will not allow my weight loss goals to interfere with nourishing my daughter. I will eat a well balanced, nutritional diet and stay hydrated. It's not worth the risk of my baby's malnourishment to go on an unreasonable eating regimine.
3. I'm Going To Be a Better Aunt/Cousin. Living near family gave us many opportunities to show our love and appreciation for our nieces and nephews. I feel a little badly that for nearly a year before we left the area, I was sick, tired and emotional from pregnancy and wasn't as successful in showering those little sweeties with love, happiness and sunshine. As much as I hate to admit it, there were many times we were pretty absorbed in our own lives. So, while it may be a little more difficult to accomplish this task since we live so far away, I've decided that will be one of my focuses this year. My sweet sister-in-law, Em, in the past has called to sing us on our birthdays. We've all loved her phone calls. I've decided to draw from that example and also send a note to each child. Who doesn't like getting mail...especially on their birthdays. I've counted all our nieces, nephews and younger cousins and discovered that means I need to stay on top of about 40 birthdays!!
4. Blog, Blog, Blog!! This is my journal. If I'm ever going to be a published author, I've got to get into the habit of writing regularly and often. My goal is to write at least 5 times a week (I know, I'm not quite at a good start) and incorporate regular recollections of memories in 'Memory Mondays', anecdotes on parenting and/or being a homemaker, successes and failures and...BLOG CANDY!! One of my life's ambitions is to have enough income to always be able to randomly bless people I love with happy surprises for no particular reason at all. Blog Candy is a great way to do this...so stay tuned!
Those are the big ones. It almost midnight on Sunday and the start of a new week. Since I've put my goals out there I'm more motivated than ever to follow through. So here's to a new week! And here's what I'm debating on writing my 'Memory Monday' about; discussing why I don't generally ride bicycles anymore or unintentionally mooning my Senior Highschool History teacher?
1. Complete the New Testament. I've been reading the New Testament. I've felt grateful for the insights I've gain from it and value very much the greater understanding I've gotten from it. However, a couple of months ago, I felt like I could be getting more from it. So, I decided to really study it. I'm rereading, taking notes, writing questions and seeking answers. I've also been using supplemental books that have helped a great deal. I'm really enjoying the results. I would like to be done by the end of August 2010 and start the Old Testament in such a manner.
2. To Not Make Any Weight Loss Goals. I just had a baby and have some work to do to reach my physical fitness goals. But I also battled an eating disorder for eleven years. This is and always will be dangerous territory. I've spent too much time obsessing over this issue in years past. The consequences of such destructive behavior affected my family, my children negatively, particularly my first. I will not allow my weight loss goals to interfere with nourishing my daughter. I will eat a well balanced, nutritional diet and stay hydrated. It's not worth the risk of my baby's malnourishment to go on an unreasonable eating regimine.
3. I'm Going To Be a Better Aunt/Cousin. Living near family gave us many opportunities to show our love and appreciation for our nieces and nephews. I feel a little badly that for nearly a year before we left the area, I was sick, tired and emotional from pregnancy and wasn't as successful in showering those little sweeties with love, happiness and sunshine. As much as I hate to admit it, there were many times we were pretty absorbed in our own lives. So, while it may be a little more difficult to accomplish this task since we live so far away, I've decided that will be one of my focuses this year. My sweet sister-in-law, Em, in the past has called to sing us on our birthdays. We've all loved her phone calls. I've decided to draw from that example and also send a note to each child. Who doesn't like getting mail...especially on their birthdays. I've counted all our nieces, nephews and younger cousins and discovered that means I need to stay on top of about 40 birthdays!!
4. Blog, Blog, Blog!! This is my journal. If I'm ever going to be a published author, I've got to get into the habit of writing regularly and often. My goal is to write at least 5 times a week (I know, I'm not quite at a good start) and incorporate regular recollections of memories in 'Memory Mondays', anecdotes on parenting and/or being a homemaker, successes and failures and...BLOG CANDY!! One of my life's ambitions is to have enough income to always be able to randomly bless people I love with happy surprises for no particular reason at all. Blog Candy is a great way to do this...so stay tuned!
Those are the big ones. It almost midnight on Sunday and the start of a new week. Since I've put my goals out there I'm more motivated than ever to follow through. So here's to a new week! And here's what I'm debating on writing my 'Memory Monday' about; discussing why I don't generally ride bicycles anymore or unintentionally mooning my Senior Highschool History teacher?
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Fee, Fie, Foe, Fum...
I'm the Gobble Bag and here I come!
This thing is a lot more intimidating to our children than it may seem. He is the Gobble Bag, aka the 'Boggle Bag' to Lulu, aka the hungry menace that eats all the items carelessly left out or angrily thrown at parents.
The girls are shielding thier eyes out of the utter terror that they may actually look into it's frighteningly jaundiced eyes.
This thing is a lot more intimidating to our children than it may seem. He is the Gobble Bag, aka the 'Boggle Bag' to Lulu, aka the hungry menace that eats all the items carelessly left out or angrily thrown at parents.
The girls are shielding thier eyes out of the utter terror that they may actually look into it's frighteningly jaundiced eyes.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Early Morning Sonnet; aka, A Glimpse Into The Funny Farm...
BEEP, BEEP, BEEP, BEEP(...is there anything more intrusive and obnoxious than that sound the alarm makes?)
(Honey, push the Snooze and I'll kiss you even with your morning breath)
BEEP, BEEP, BEEP, BEEP
"SCHHHHHHHLOOOP"...the connection is cut off and the after breakfast topping off is postponed for my groggy three month old.
#1 staggers in. "I don't wanna go to school." (flops on my bed)
#2 stomps in, dashes into my bed and proceeds to fight #1 for the blankets.
#3 is carried it with a freshly changed diaper and proceeds to hop onto the bed and sit on #1's face.
#4's personal space bubble is invaded by hugs, kisses and the accompanying morning breath of her adoring fans.
Everybody is awake and Dad's looking for that previously promised kiss.
---Bed Monster 0: Mom 1
"Alright everyone, Dad's gotta go. Let's sit up, fold our arms and say a prayer."
"Please fold your arms."
"No picking your nose during the prayer..."
"Do not pinch your sister!"
"THAT IS NOT WHERE YOU PUT THAT!"
---Mom 0: Booger Man, clearly the victor. 1
("Bye, Daddy!" "Bye, Daddy!" "Bye Daddy. Daddy, I don't want to go to school". Kiss kiss, hug hug.)
"#2, don't forget to change your underwear."
"#1, it's 30 degrees outside! That skirt will freeze your legs!"
"#2, please change your underwear."
"Do you really want to wear jeans, tights AND a skirt?"
"Change your underwear!"
"Please give your baby sister space."
"#3, where did your pants go?"
"Could someone give #4 her binky?"
"CHANGE YOUR UNDERWEAR!"
"Why is your shirt on your head, #3?"
"No, you may not have a bag of chocolate chips for breakfast."
"Please give your baby sister space."
"FOR THE MAGNIFICENT LOVE OF ALL THINGS MIGHTY, CHANGE YOUR UNDERWEAR!!"
"Yes, #3, since you're already naked, you can practice sitting on the potty."
Previous Mental Note: #1 likes her eggs sunnyside up, #2 likes her's boiled, #3 likes 'em scrambled.
"Wait. Then why am I beating the 'Fruity Pebbles'?"
"Please give your baby sister space."
"Okay, ladies, here's your vitamins."
('I want the pink one." "No, I want the pink one!!" "NO, ME!" "You got the pink one yesterday!" "Mom, #2 is stealing my vitamin!")
--- Mom vs. Vitamin Makers of the USA: It's a draw (may you have 55 children whose only favorite color is
chartreuse).
"What's your backpack doing outside?"
"Please give your baby sister space."
"You saved that from your lunch yesterday?"
"I'm pretty sure you shouldn't eat it."
"No, your little sister doesn't want it either."
"Yep, I've packed you a very special treat to help you remember how wonderful I think you are."
---Lunch Boxes 0: Mom 1
"THAT'S IT! The next person who smash kisses her baby sister gets to eat the left over vegetable stir fry for dinner...without soy sauce!"
"We need to leave in 5 minutes."
"Where's your other shoe?"
"You may want to rethink knee high boots for P.E. I'm just sayin'"
"We're a little late, let's walk to the bus stop quickly"
("jabber, jabber, jabber, breathe, jabber, jabber, jabber, breathe")
"#2, look both ways before scooting across the street!!!"
"Phew! We made it!!"
("Honk! Honk! Good morning!!")
"I love you." "I love you." "I love you." "I love you." "Have a wonderful day!"
("I love you, too, Momma." "Me too...Momma, I forgot to change my underwear.")
"That's okay, honey. You can change it when you get home if you still want too."
---I fold. Mom 0: Underwear Fairy 1
"It's okay, #3, they'll come home this afternoon and we'll snuggle up and watch a movie together."
---All the nasty, nefarious forces attempting to foil our morning 0000: Mom 1,000,000
I WIN!!
Bonus Prize: It's Friday and tomorrow is Pancake Saturday!
(Honey, push the Snooze and I'll kiss you even with your morning breath)
BEEP, BEEP, BEEP, BEEP
"SCHHHHHHHLOOOP"...the connection is cut off and the after breakfast topping off is postponed for my groggy three month old.
#1 staggers in. "I don't wanna go to school." (flops on my bed)
#2 stomps in, dashes into my bed and proceeds to fight #1 for the blankets.
#3 is carried it with a freshly changed diaper and proceeds to hop onto the bed and sit on #1's face.
#4's personal space bubble is invaded by hugs, kisses and the accompanying morning breath of her adoring fans.
Everybody is awake and Dad's looking for that previously promised kiss.
---Bed Monster 0: Mom 1
"Alright everyone, Dad's gotta go. Let's sit up, fold our arms and say a prayer."
"Please fold your arms."
"No picking your nose during the prayer..."
"Do not pinch your sister!"
"THAT IS NOT WHERE YOU PUT THAT!"
---Mom 0: Booger Man, clearly the victor. 1
("Bye, Daddy!" "Bye, Daddy!" "Bye Daddy. Daddy, I don't want to go to school". Kiss kiss, hug hug.)
"#2, don't forget to change your underwear."
"#1, it's 30 degrees outside! That skirt will freeze your legs!"
"#2, please change your underwear."
"Do you really want to wear jeans, tights AND a skirt?"
"Change your underwear!"
"Please give your baby sister space."
"#3, where did your pants go?"
"Could someone give #4 her binky?"
"CHANGE YOUR UNDERWEAR!"
"Why is your shirt on your head, #3?"
"No, you may not have a bag of chocolate chips for breakfast."
"Please give your baby sister space."
"FOR THE MAGNIFICENT LOVE OF ALL THINGS MIGHTY, CHANGE YOUR UNDERWEAR!!"
"Yes, #3, since you're already naked, you can practice sitting on the potty."
Previous Mental Note: #1 likes her eggs sunnyside up, #2 likes her's boiled, #3 likes 'em scrambled.
"Wait. Then why am I beating the 'Fruity Pebbles'?"
"Please give your baby sister space."
"Okay, ladies, here's your vitamins."
('I want the pink one." "No, I want the pink one!!" "NO, ME!" "You got the pink one yesterday!" "Mom, #2 is stealing my vitamin!")
--- Mom vs. Vitamin Makers of the USA: It's a draw (may you have 55 children whose only favorite color is
chartreuse).
"What's your backpack doing outside?"
"Please give your baby sister space."
"You saved that from your lunch yesterday?"
"I'm pretty sure you shouldn't eat it."
"No, your little sister doesn't want it either."
"Yep, I've packed you a very special treat to help you remember how wonderful I think you are."
---Lunch Boxes 0: Mom 1
"THAT'S IT! The next person who smash kisses her baby sister gets to eat the left over vegetable stir fry for dinner...without soy sauce!"
"We need to leave in 5 minutes."
"Where's your other shoe?"
"You may want to rethink knee high boots for P.E. I'm just sayin'"
"We're a little late, let's walk to the bus stop quickly"
("jabber, jabber, jabber, breathe, jabber, jabber, jabber, breathe")
"#2, look both ways before scooting across the street!!!"
"Phew! We made it!!"
("Honk! Honk! Good morning!!")
"I love you." "I love you." "I love you." "I love you." "Have a wonderful day!"
("I love you, too, Momma." "Me too...Momma, I forgot to change my underwear.")
"That's okay, honey. You can change it when you get home if you still want too."
---I fold. Mom 0: Underwear Fairy 1
"It's okay, #3, they'll come home this afternoon and we'll snuggle up and watch a movie together."
---All the nasty, nefarious forces attempting to foil our morning 0000: Mom 1,000,000
I WIN!!
Bonus Prize: It's Friday and tomorrow is Pancake Saturday!
Monday, January 4, 2010
Happy New Year!
Hello everyone! Happy New Year! We've had a rather interesting December which included our computer inexplicibly dying. Which means we've been scrambling to retrieve everything on it. Needless to say, our Christmas letter is a bit late and not very well distributed. I'm posting it on here as a way to redeem myself.
By the way, thank you so much to all of you beautiful people who sent us Christmas cards and letters this year. They've meant the world to us. We've enjoyed hearing about all of your adventures and didn't feel so far away and lonely.
So here's the lowdown.
Dearest Family and Friends!!
Happy New Year! We hope you’ve had the Merriest Christmas and holiday season. We are happy to report we’re alive and mostly well (our immune systems are going through “Welcome to Florida’s Germs’ Boot Camp…thankfully, we’re winning). After welcoming a baby, relocating and a major career development, we are settling in and almost feeling ‘normal’-whatever that is.
2009 began quite unassumingly but truly became a banner year. We’ve been blessed beyond that which we could’ve possibly deserved! Here’s the Low-Down:
January: He-Man continued to build up his practice and worked 30 hours a week at Xactware. Trishelle continued domesticating herself and running but suffered a minor running injury while attempting to watch a particularly compelling old episode of ‘Matlock’ and jogging on a treadmill at the same time. Sunshine continued second grade. Bunny also continued to refine her talents of making friends easily and quickly and learning her ABC’s. Lulu’s individuality really began to flourish. She has a penchant for makeup, anything her poor, hapless parents leave under the sink and everything slimy/sticky such as maple syrup.
February: He-Man worked 80+ hours a week. Trishelle prepared the for The ‘Most Excellent Family Reunion’(1st time our whole family was together in 8 years) and made the splendid discovery that her nausea and exhaustion weren’t caused by too many surprise ‘Matlock’ endings. Sunshine was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints…outside…in February…luckily, in a Jacuzzi. Bunny spent most of her time with her very favorite cousins on both sides. Lulu discovered that when a box of dental floss is unwound, it will encircle the house 235 times.
March: He-Man worked 80+ hours a week. Trishelle continued in the blessed opportunity of babysitting her sweet nephews while their mommy, went to work part time. Sunshine read everything she could get her hands on. Bunny was a flower girl for her cousin wedding. The pictures turned out to be our favorite pictures of Bunny. EVER. Lulu discovered the law of gravity…that what goes up will certainly come down. This even applies to blender pitchers filled with everyone’s breakfast smoothie.
April: He-Man worked 80+ hours…except when we all went on a much needed work-vacation to Southern Utah and Mesquite, Nevada for a continuing-ed course. We discovered that we’re able to travel about the distance between Orem and St. George, Utah before car sicknesses can no longer be ignored…and to always keep paper towels and disinfectant in the car.
May: He-Man worked 80+ hours a week and filled out a ‘practice’ application for a chiropractic position with the Navy in Florida. Trishelle could no longer fit into her clothes and two beautiful angels bestowed upon her a most wonderful gift: new maternity clothes from THIS century! Sunshine finished 2nd grade! Bunny mastered the ABC’s. Lulu discovered when one consumes an entire jar of garlic stuffed olives, vampires will most assuredly be repelled.
June: He-Man worked 80+ hours a week but found great joy in his portion of the community garden (thank you Bishop Stay!) Trishelle turned 32, made her first cherry pie and canned various cherry preserves. Sunshine started with Harry Potter 6 and finished Harry Potter 7. Bunny busted out of size 4T clothes. Lulu discovered the many benefits of drawing with permanent marker. We ate something from the garden everyday.
July: He-Man worked 80+ hours a week. Trishelle felt enormous. Sunshine read voraciously and looked forward to every possible trip to the library. Bunny tuned 5 and celebrated with her favorite neighborhood friends in a backyard party. Lulu turned 2 and celebrated with a tea party and massive amounts of Cheeto cheese and chocolate cupcakes.
August: He-Man worked 80+ hours a week. He turned 32 and was surprised by his family and siblings with an early morning breakfast and a lawn and garden sprucing up day. Trishelle craved chocolate. Sunshine and Bunny learned to swim. Lulu realized that painting with Nutella is delicious. Our anxiously awaited tomatoes began to produce massive amounts of gloriousness.
September: He-Man worked 80+ hours a week and decided that if he heard nothing more regarding potential chiropractic positions with the military by September 30, he would stop working towards this ambition and pursue other opportunities in Utah. Trishelle felt ginormous and secretly wished everything were dipped in chocolate. Sunshine began 3rd grade with a beloved teacher. Holly started kindergarten and instantly adored her teacher, Mrs. B. Lulu learned how to blow bubbles with her own saliva and left puddles where ever she practiced. We said goodbye to our wonderful roommate when Uncle Aaron moved out and married our fabulous new sister Melissa. Remember that ‘practice’ application He-Man filled for a military chiropractic job? On September 24, he received an email from the Navy requesting him to fill the vacated position Florida. After fervent prayer and consideration, he said yes! Three days later, at 4:30 in the morning, RP let everyone know she was on her way when her mommy’s water broke. She made her grand entrance that morning after about 2 ½ hours of labor.
October: He-Man met with Governor Herbert as part of his ongoing effort to improve the image of chiropractics in the state of Utah. It was the pinnacle of his work in the state and served as a great way to finish his work there. We drove through Utah, Nevada, stopped and visited Mom and Dad in Arizona then drove on through New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and onto Jacksonville, Florida. Except for the times she was screaming at the top of her lungs, RP slept through the whole thing.
November: He-Man worked 40 hours a week, ate his lunches on the beach and held classes for sailors. Trishelle worked feverishly at organizing the house. Sunshine met her 3rd grade class. Bunny started all day kindergarten. Lulu found mom’s makeup again. Rp started to smile. And we all traveled to Atlanta for Thanksgiving.
December: He-Man’s clientele grew. Trishelle got gussied up for the first time since delivering RP. Sunshine, Bunny and Lulu made their wish lists and RPexperienced her first Christmas. Our computer crashed, phone died and Trishelle was involved in a minor fender bender. But we refuse to let that break our stride! Our Christmas in Florida has been beautiful and we’ve found ourselves feeling incredibly grateful for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and for all He is to us.
As we’ve reflected upon the past year, our hearts have been full from the realization that so much of what we’ve prayed for, for so long, has come to pass. Thank you for sharing this process with us, for your love, support and your sweet friendship. May 2010 be a miraculous year for you. May you be surrounded with love and friendship all along your way. God bless you!
Sincerely,
Us
By the way, thank you so much to all of you beautiful people who sent us Christmas cards and letters this year. They've meant the world to us. We've enjoyed hearing about all of your adventures and didn't feel so far away and lonely.
So here's the lowdown.
Dearest Family and Friends!!
Happy New Year! We hope you’ve had the Merriest Christmas and holiday season. We are happy to report we’re alive and mostly well (our immune systems are going through “Welcome to Florida’s Germs’ Boot Camp…thankfully, we’re winning). After welcoming a baby, relocating and a major career development, we are settling in and almost feeling ‘normal’-whatever that is.
2009 began quite unassumingly but truly became a banner year. We’ve been blessed beyond that which we could’ve possibly deserved! Here’s the Low-Down:
January: He-Man continued to build up his practice and worked 30 hours a week at Xactware. Trishelle continued domesticating herself and running but suffered a minor running injury while attempting to watch a particularly compelling old episode of ‘Matlock’ and jogging on a treadmill at the same time. Sunshine continued second grade. Bunny also continued to refine her talents of making friends easily and quickly and learning her ABC’s. Lulu’s individuality really began to flourish. She has a penchant for makeup, anything her poor, hapless parents leave under the sink and everything slimy/sticky such as maple syrup.
February: He-Man worked 80+ hours a week. Trishelle prepared the for The ‘Most Excellent Family Reunion’(1st time our whole family was together in 8 years) and made the splendid discovery that her nausea and exhaustion weren’t caused by too many surprise ‘Matlock’ endings. Sunshine was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints…outside…in February…luckily, in a Jacuzzi. Bunny spent most of her time with her very favorite cousins on both sides. Lulu discovered that when a box of dental floss is unwound, it will encircle the house 235 times.
March: He-Man worked 80+ hours a week. Trishelle continued in the blessed opportunity of babysitting her sweet nephews while their mommy, went to work part time. Sunshine read everything she could get her hands on. Bunny was a flower girl for her cousin wedding. The pictures turned out to be our favorite pictures of Bunny. EVER. Lulu discovered the law of gravity…that what goes up will certainly come down. This even applies to blender pitchers filled with everyone’s breakfast smoothie.
April: He-Man worked 80+ hours…except when we all went on a much needed work-vacation to Southern Utah and Mesquite, Nevada for a continuing-ed course. We discovered that we’re able to travel about the distance between Orem and St. George, Utah before car sicknesses can no longer be ignored…and to always keep paper towels and disinfectant in the car.
May: He-Man worked 80+ hours a week and filled out a ‘practice’ application for a chiropractic position with the Navy in Florida. Trishelle could no longer fit into her clothes and two beautiful angels bestowed upon her a most wonderful gift: new maternity clothes from THIS century! Sunshine finished 2nd grade! Bunny mastered the ABC’s. Lulu discovered when one consumes an entire jar of garlic stuffed olives, vampires will most assuredly be repelled.
June: He-Man worked 80+ hours a week but found great joy in his portion of the community garden (thank you Bishop Stay!) Trishelle turned 32, made her first cherry pie and canned various cherry preserves. Sunshine started with Harry Potter 6 and finished Harry Potter 7. Bunny busted out of size 4T clothes. Lulu discovered the many benefits of drawing with permanent marker. We ate something from the garden everyday.
July: He-Man worked 80+ hours a week. Trishelle felt enormous. Sunshine read voraciously and looked forward to every possible trip to the library. Bunny tuned 5 and celebrated with her favorite neighborhood friends in a backyard party. Lulu turned 2 and celebrated with a tea party and massive amounts of Cheeto cheese and chocolate cupcakes.
August: He-Man worked 80+ hours a week. He turned 32 and was surprised by his family and siblings with an early morning breakfast and a lawn and garden sprucing up day. Trishelle craved chocolate. Sunshine and Bunny learned to swim. Lulu realized that painting with Nutella is delicious. Our anxiously awaited tomatoes began to produce massive amounts of gloriousness.
September: He-Man worked 80+ hours a week and decided that if he heard nothing more regarding potential chiropractic positions with the military by September 30, he would stop working towards this ambition and pursue other opportunities in Utah. Trishelle felt ginormous and secretly wished everything were dipped in chocolate. Sunshine began 3rd grade with a beloved teacher. Holly started kindergarten and instantly adored her teacher, Mrs. B. Lulu learned how to blow bubbles with her own saliva and left puddles where ever she practiced. We said goodbye to our wonderful roommate when Uncle Aaron moved out and married our fabulous new sister Melissa. Remember that ‘practice’ application He-Man filled for a military chiropractic job? On September 24, he received an email from the Navy requesting him to fill the vacated position Florida. After fervent prayer and consideration, he said yes! Three days later, at 4:30 in the morning, RP let everyone know she was on her way when her mommy’s water broke. She made her grand entrance that morning after about 2 ½ hours of labor.
October: He-Man met with Governor Herbert as part of his ongoing effort to improve the image of chiropractics in the state of Utah. It was the pinnacle of his work in the state and served as a great way to finish his work there. We drove through Utah, Nevada, stopped and visited Mom and Dad in Arizona then drove on through New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and onto Jacksonville, Florida. Except for the times she was screaming at the top of her lungs, RP slept through the whole thing.
November: He-Man worked 40 hours a week, ate his lunches on the beach and held classes for sailors. Trishelle worked feverishly at organizing the house. Sunshine met her 3rd grade class. Bunny started all day kindergarten. Lulu found mom’s makeup again. Rp started to smile. And we all traveled to Atlanta for Thanksgiving.
December: He-Man’s clientele grew. Trishelle got gussied up for the first time since delivering RP. Sunshine, Bunny and Lulu made their wish lists and RPexperienced her first Christmas. Our computer crashed, phone died and Trishelle was involved in a minor fender bender. But we refuse to let that break our stride! Our Christmas in Florida has been beautiful and we’ve found ourselves feeling incredibly grateful for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and for all He is to us.
As we’ve reflected upon the past year, our hearts have been full from the realization that so much of what we’ve prayed for, for so long, has come to pass. Thank you for sharing this process with us, for your love, support and your sweet friendship. May 2010 be a miraculous year for you. May you be surrounded with love and friendship all along your way. God bless you!
Sincerely,
Us
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