The Year in Review

I have been sparce on the info/journaling this year. I could use the excuse that I have been busy, but then that excuse is a bit overused. I will do a short rundown of 2009 highlights. OK, you all know me, it won't be short.

January - Jeremy Ordained a Teacher when he turned 14 this year. That was pretty neat. It's so great to see the kids learn, grow and choose what they want to be.

February - Mr Pasco for Tyler. That had to be the funniest HS thing I have gone to in a long time. I love the memories that I have and know that whenever I hear the song "Put a ring on it" by Beyonce I will FOREVER see Carlin Andrew in my head.

March - After 8 months, we finally closed on our new house on Reed Street. It really needed tons of work (and still does), but we are very proud of what we have.

April - We are still a working on the house. Everything has taken a back seat, and I do mean everything to working on the house.

May - This was the month we lost our neighbor and friend, Dean Dickson. Brigam was super close to him and had his first taste with dealing with death. Lessons learned and memories stored.

A few of us, including my BFF went to Womens Conference. Very fun, as always.

June - Tyler graduated from Pasco High School. We were all relieved. I think he bearly made it, but he did make it.

Mykie got hit by a car, but was truly watched over as all she had was a few scraps and bruses, and a busted bike.

Mike and I celebrated 20 years of marriage. That is fantastic, heres to 20 more (and more).

July - Brigam had his big backyard BBQ birthday bash. He had a great time with his friends. Thanks to Mykie for putting the party together.

August - The kids all went back to school. Jeremy entered high school at Southridge. It really turned out to be a great experience for him.

I was called to be the president of the Young Women's in our ward. That was a surprise, but a great one. Our young women are fantastic.

Mike was concerned about our future with his present job and decided to look for another. He received 3 offers, one of which was in Utah. He was so excited, it looked like we were moving to Utah. We put our now "put together home" on the market.

Grama and Grampa Anderson came home from Mongolia. They had served a 23 month church mission. It was nice to have them home again. They moved into our barn as their home is being lived in by Pam's awesome parents, Mike and Lorraine.

Tyler had planned on making at least $3,000 for his mission. He headed to Utah to work for my old boss, Austin, as a gopher in his real estate business.

Brigam started tackle football. The team mom was a little shy of doing "team mom" duties (as we are still awaiting Brigam's "trophy" tee-shirt with the correct spelling of his last name on it. Nelson, not Helson Mam'.), but the coaches were great. He was a Panther just like his brothers before him.

September - Mykie starts her first school sport and that was Volleyball. There were many girls that wanted to play so that there were very many teams. She had a great coach and she had a great time.

Mike went down to Utah to start his new job. We were eager to join him, but needed to sell the house. We had lots of showings and positive comments, but no offers.

October - Mykalyn became a full fledged teenager turning the rip old age of 13. That's fun.

Grama and Grampa Anderson go back to Mongolia to serve their 3rd mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. They will be gone 18 or 23 months. I'm not sure if they have made up their minds about the time frame yet.

November - Tyler turns in his mission papers to the Bishop after getting his wisdom teeth pulled. It was not enjoyable and his tounge is still numb!

December - Mike decides that the Utah job is not for us. He was worried about stability and stuff. He comes home. Yea! He gets another job offer (job offers seem to come easy to him) and starts up a week later.

Tyler gets his mission call to Cuernavaca, Mexico. How perfect for him! He loves the Mexican people and enjoys the spanish language.

We went with Tyler to the Columbia River Temple to do his own temple work. It was pretty amazing to be in the Temple with one of your worthy children.

The year in a nutshell. 2010 looks like an amazing year to come. With Tyler serving a mission, the kids growing and becoming, goals to accomplish - it will be a good one.

Happy New Year!

Question: Where will Tyler be spending the next two years?

The answer to that question finally came today. Only after the whole family played "Fantasy Mission Call" based loosely on the fantasy football game. There were a bunch of guesses including Brazil, New Mexico, Kentucky, Argentina, Alaska, Italy, etc. The envelope was opened

(only after Mykie and I ran up to Brigam's school and took him out of class early) and photos were taken in the living room before, during and after. It's all for posterity you know. OK , without further delay.......... Tyler will be serving the Lord while serving in the

Cuernavaca Mexico Mission

He will be entering the MTC in Provo on March 17 (St. Patty's day don't cha know?)

He is excited and a little overwhelmed and I've got to go. I have a bunch of calls to make! :)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Here's Mykie helping to get "Tom" turkey dressed and ready for the oven! Butter, Baby!

We did try to get the turkey "dressed" for it's big day. Browning didn't turn out the way we had originally planned, but the turkey was delicious!

Here's to wishing all a happy day full of giving thanks for all the many blessings we each enjoy.

Our Father in Heaven, our Savior, family, friends, happiness, a warm home, yummy food, giggles, laughter, memories, love, and so much more.

Cha...Cha...Cha...Cha...Changes

So, life once again is changing. Not that the house has sold or anything. But change is inevitable none the less.

This is a picture of Tyler as he leaves to head to the Bishop's house to turn in his mission papers. Yes, my boy is committing to serve a mission. I always knew that he would, but now the day gets closer and closer. We will probably find out where he will be headed to in about two weeks. Foreign? In the United States? Tyler doesn't care where he's called (although Japan is not big on his list. He doesn't like fish - any kind), he just wants to get on with his life and he wants serving a mission to be a part of his life.

It's been great to hear about where all his friends are going. Several to Brazil, one to Boston, one to Armenia. It's amazing that these young men are headed to spread the gospel abroad. I know that our Heavenly Father is in charge of all missions. Who else would send 19 year old "boys" out to spread the most important message that one can hear? It is through these young men that people learn how to turn their lives around and get on the path to eternal life. It's only with the Holy Ghost that hearts can be changed. Young boys bring the Spirit into people's lives. They help facilitate change for others, but they inevitably bring that Spirit and the message to their fellow brothers and sisters. They gain a love of their fellow man that they couldn't gain any other way.

11-25-09 Today was the day that Tyler continued in his quest to serve a church mission. He drove to the Stake Center to meet with the Stake President for a mission interview. One step closer. The Stake President, after the interview, pushed the "send" button to forward his missionary papers to Salt Lake City. He should be hearing from Salt Lake by December 10th.

Wow! It all seems closer and my tears are closer to the surface as well. I love this boy. For all of the stuff that parents and kids clash about over the years, he didn't dish out too much trouble. He is funny, smart, athletic, thoughtful and has a gift for making other's feel comfortable. He will be a great success.

I want Tyler to get on with the greatest days of his life - mission, schooling, marriage, family etc. I am so excited for him to get on with it. But I am also missing that little boy who told me in 5th grade that he would never stop holding my hand OR kissing me goodbye in front of his friends (so all of his words are not solid gold). The one that tells the other kids, "don't talk like that to Mom", the one who has such great wit and makes me think I'm actually funny!

My one wish is that he does leave for bigger and better things. Get on with his life. There is so much to enjoy. But I do have one more wish, I wish that he will always want to come back (and maybe, once in a while, want to hold my hand).

I miss my Michael!

Mike has been gone for about a month. I miss the love of my life. I wish we could be in Utah together.

Testimony Meeting

Today it was Fast and Testimony meeting at Church. I love Fast & Testimony meeting because what is shared is usually unscripted and totally prompted by the Holy Ghost. With Brigam being baptized the night before, it is usually a tradition for Mike and I to both share our testimonies. Mike was the very first one up (but not necessarily the first one at the mike. There's always that one guy every month.)

I think he'd been planning it for a while, so that didn't surprise me. When Mike sets his mind to something, he does it completely well. He did a great job of sharing his joy in Brigam's baptism. He announced that the rumors that were circulating were indeed true - we are moving.

He keeps his composure pretty well during testimony sharing, unlike me who tends to tear up as soon as I stand up to make the long walk to the microphone. He did actually get emotional this time, however, when he was talking about Bishop Ladow.

Bishop Ladow is such a GREAT example of service. He serves others continuously. I don't know how he has the energy to do it, but he does. We truly have been blessed by him. His example is one thing that makes this ward great. When you're with him, you want to try a little harder to be a little better. He is awesome and we will miss he and Sister Ladow so much when we leave.

Throughout the next few testimonies, I leaned down to Brigam and asked him if he was going to bear his testimony. He said, "What's a testimony?" That is a slight wake up call. Something we attend every month and he isn't aware of what is going on? Somewhere I passed up a teaching moment. So I proceeded to tell him that Testimony Meeting was when one shares with others what he believes and knows to be true. How you feel about family, church, Heavenly Father - that the Holy Ghost guides what you say. He kept asking me, "Should I say this? Should I say that?" I said, "You decide." He wanted me to come with him and whisper in his ear what he should say. I told him that if I did that, I would be telling him my testimony. It wouldn't be his. He wanted to go, but I was slow to get up. I have to wait for that complete butterfly-in-the-stomach-take-over before I can even think about rising to my feet. I just wasn't feeling it.

Soon my dad got up and I told Brigam, "You can go sit up there with Grampa and wait your turn." He did. Such a brave boy.

After Grampa finished sharing his testimony, Briggy got up there. He did really well. He spoke of how he wanted to share his testimony and how he loved church. He went on for a bit, but then got stuck. I actually thought he forgot how to end the testimony and was telepathically saying, "In the name of.......", but still he was frozen. Then he turned to the bishopric and one of them prompted him - he continued, "I love my family, I love my teachers that teach me and am thankful for them....." then he concluded with the right words and returned to his seat. I was so impressed with him.

As he sat down I told him that he did a good job sharing what he felt with us. He told me that his stomach got all weird. I asked if it felt like there were a bunch of butterflies in it. He giggled. I told him that that is how most of us feel. He said it was easier for adults to do that. I told him, "Doubt it!!!"

After another minute he asked me, "Mom, did I mess up on my testimony?" I told him, "You can't mess up on sharing your testimony because it's your testimony. What you share is who you are and you did great sharing!" After some more time (I was still awaiting my own butterflies) he said, "When can I do that again?" Next month, bud. "Cool." I told him that it was his job to now spend the next month looking for spiritual experiences that he could share with others. How the Holy Ghost has helped him during the month. He was excited.

When it was really getting close to closing the meeting time, I finally got my own set of butterflies and proceeded to the stand, following my Mother incidentally. She shared then I did. It's hard to keep your composure while telling the things in your heart.

I did share that I was so grateful for Brigam's choice to be baptized and what a great and special kid he is. Then I spoke of my gratitude for the great ward I am in. I said, "I've always told my kids that a true friend is one that makes it easy for you to be yourself. You don't have to change who you are to be with them. This is how this ward has been. True friends that allow you to grow and become better because you don't have to worry about impressing them or being something you're not."

To be quite honest, I've been worried about our new ward in Utah. When we moved here, we left a super ward in Sandy, Utah. In our interim between Utah and Washington we went to another ward, but it wasn't very friendly. I was worried to go back because my brother has been disappointed in his ward in Utah. But then I thought, "Whatever ward you end up in, you will be an asset to it." Being an asset certainly makes you feel like you belong and that is the one thing you want to feel in a ward. Wherever we go, we'll be fine. We will find good people that love the Lord as we do and great people that will teach us to love Him and serve Him even more. We'll be fine, Heavenly Father knows where we're at and He will be with us. Besides, it was His idea that we should move. And who can argue with that suggestion?

Brigam's Baptism

Yesterday Brigam was baptized at the stake baptism along with 7 other kids. He was the only one that was baptized by someone other than his dad. It was Tyler that baptized him. It was so awesome to see both of my boys in white. What was really great was that my 18 year old kept himself worthy to hold and use the Priesthood to baptize Brigam. I am proud of Tyler. It can't be so easy to be a teenager and to keep yourself clean in this world.



We started in the chapel where we opened with song, prayer and a talk on baptism. They they excused 3 of the children along with those who wanted to witness the baptisms to the baptismal font. It was great to see Tyler and Brigam walk down into the water together and for Tyler to baptize his first person. My dad and Mike were the witnesses.

Watching Mike was funny. He's kind of a perfectionist and a control freak. He had Tyler and Brigam practicing at home the proper hand position and immersion part. "Squat Brigam and lean back." As he was up acting as a witness and Tyler finished the prayer and was laying Brigam in the water to baptize him, Mike couldn't help but squat too. That was funny. I giggled.


We then went back into the chapel and they excused the others to be baptized as well. When we all returned, Brigam saw his friend, Shirley Dickson, sitting with some of our other friends, but, without Dean, he felt she was still alone. He chose to go sit with her so she wouldn't be lonely. He's really the best.


My dad gave the talk on the Holy Ghost. It was great. He went with a sports theme and spoke of the Holy Ghost as our coach in the game of life. Pretty good for a guy that doesn't particularly LOVE sports. And with the BYU/Oklahoma game being played that night, I am sure that plenty of people were listening.


After this we all went to the Bishop's office where Brigam was confirmed a member of the Church and received the gift of the Holy Ghost by his father's hands. It was neat to see Tyler up there with the other's using their Priesthood for this ordinance.


We then came back to the house/barn actually, to celebrate. We were blessed to have our friends there with us. Bishop Ladow and his great wife, Lola, Mike and Lorraine Jensen, Scott and Pam Nielsen and their family, Harold and Sally Sanders and their granddaughter, Emma, my parents and us. We all ate and finished off the gigantic ice cream cake from DQ. It was a great evening.


I am so proud of Brigam. He really loves to help people. He is a true example of our Savior in word and deed. Some days he says, giggling, "Mom, I just can't stop saying I love you to you." He really has touched people in his life. He makes friends easily and has a quick smile. He is such a great asset to our family. My life would not be complete without my Briggy!

Back to School

Today marks a week since the kids have been in school. I guess I have been a little busy to journal it; better late than never!!!

Jeremy is now a 9th grader so he had to go for the "Freshmen Only" day at Southridge. He LOVES high school. Every single day that I picked him up after football practice, all he had was good to say about it. "We can do this" and "We can do that" and "So much better than middle school." He played his first HS game under the Friday Night Lights on the 4th. He was so cute!!! Once in a while, from the sidelines, he would flex his monsterous, hard as granite calf for us. It was a treat to watch!

Mykalyn is now in 7th grade. Her reports of school were not as positive as Jeremy's. I guess Desert Hills is implimenting some new discipline and the rules have become a little tedious for Mykie. All week she did tryouts for the volleyball team. We find out what team she'll be on on Tuesday.

Brigam started 3rd at Lincoln. He loves school. What I think he loves more is walking to school every morning. It's fun to hear what he has to say on our walk. Brigam started Grid Kid's Football this year as a Panther. He is so dang cute in his football uniform too. How does that happen to all my boys? He informed me that in the rules (that I am sure that only he knows) it states that moms have to watch each and every practice. He gets very frustrated when I have to leave to take care of some other child. "Yes, honey, mommy's still watching!"

And what is Tyler doing through all of this? Sleeping. He came home for a couple of weeks for fantasy football (dumb) and to baptize Brigam (really cool). He's not going to school. He happens to be staying with my old boss working as a gopher for his real estate business in Utah. I am glad he is working somewhere because when I asked him for help here (OK, OK, more like yelled at him to help me here) he told me he was on vacation. 'Nuf said about that subject.

Besides school starting this week, Wednesday the 2nd marked the day that my Mom and Dad came back from Mongolia. We were at the airport to meet them. It has been 23 months since we've seen them in person. It's so nice to have them home. They are with us, living in the barn, until they leave again at the end of October. Oh, didn't you know they were going again? Yes, back to Mongolia for another 18 months.

Thursday was the day that Brigam got two of his teeth extracted at the dentist's office. Anything to do with teeth is bad enough, but now I had to be there while the dentist tugged on two UN-loose teeth???? Just KILL ME NOW! That was a mom of the year moment for me. You know how I hate teeth unless they are stuck firmly in the mouth! Poor Briggy having to put up with laughing gas, shots and pliers. I didn't even look inside his mouth to see the damage until Saturday. I JUST COULDN'T DO IT!!! This week it's off to the ortho to get spacers put in. Fun for me and my budget! Dang it kid!!! Go brush your teeth!

Saturday is when we signed papers to list the house. I think we have it too low and Mike thinks it's too high. I guess we know who put all her sweat into fixing the place up - am I right?

Needless to say, a busy week. I haven't even written the annual "back to school" letter for each of my kids. I usually do that on the first day. I better get on that before all my "missing you while you're at school" feelings vanish!

Oh, just in case you wanted to know what Mike was doing during my busy little week. You look great honey. No you really got a lot of air that time. Really!

Just When You Thought It Was Safe To Go Back In The Water

You know, most of the times in my life when I feel that I am totally on the right track - mainly that I am right with God by doing those things that bring me closer to Him, that's when the switch on the track gets changed and I am sent far off in another direction. This just happens to be one of those times.

As you know from my last post, I was called to be the Young Women's President in our ward. We seriously have fantastic girls. They are the nicest, most accepting girls I have ever met. I remember not being as fantastic to the other girls in my ward when I was growing up. That is NOT the way it is here. That was one reason that I was so excited to serve in this calling. Who could ask for a better calling than one that puts you with youth that want to have a good time and want to have it with each other. They love life! They are successful in so many different fields: church, music, leadership, school, friends, family - they really are diverse, but they accept each other. They are great. But just when you think the water is safe to swim in, someone flushes and you are thrown in a turbulent swirly wondering where you will end up.

Well, now I know where I will end up.........................................

Utah.

Yup, you read that right, we're headed back to Utah.

Let's get you up to speed.

We moved here from Utah in 2000. Mike got his safety job out at the Umatilla Army Depot then and has been steadily climbing the ladder of success ever since. Mike's great ability to take things seriously, have a major talent at storing and recalling many items in his large brain and his commitment to personal integrity has moved him up the ladder.

This job is about to shut down, in a couple of years or so. Things out there have been getting pretty hairy. Many people have been quiting to find a job that is 1) going to give them longevity and 2) not so stressful and moral busting. Mike has been one of those worrying about both items lately. He would get kind of frustrated and the way that he would get over that is the he would come home, get on Monster.com (or some other service) and look for a new job. It soothed him.

Recently he found a couple of jobs here in Hanford through his old boss, but he also (finally) found one in Utah. Mike has been looking on and off in Utah since we got here. He really planned on returning there about 5 years after we got here, but it just never happened. They don't pay very much in Utah and the cost of living is higher. Yadda, yadda, yadda. The bottom line was that it looked like Mike would never make it back to "this is the place". He would have to settle for visiting his family there and always sleeping on an air mattress (if he was lucky).

But while Mike was on line he found a job posting for Utah; Provo, Utah to be exact. He ended up applying for that one and the two here in Hanford ---- his interviews were set up quickly and had all THREE of them on the same day. He was a busy boy that Friday.

By the next week, Mike had been made his first offer. It was for one in Hanford. Not the one he really wanted, but he really liked who his boss would be. The offer wasn't what he was making currently and the benefits weren't good, but Mike liked the guy. Then he got a phone call from Utah. "We like you, will you come see us in person?" Mike says sure, but reminds them again what his current salary is. Can you get close to that? He asks. Then they say "Sure, that's doable" and "How about Thursday?" Mike flew down. His hopes were up and, besides, he was visiting Mike's "happiest place on earth" (or at least the place that is closer to the Ski Resorts and Lake Powell). The interview lasted from about 10:30 am to 5:00 pm. He interviewed with many people, went out to lunch with who would be his staff and toured the plant. He was impressed with their attention to safety. Mike was a happy boy. He came home and got a call from the second Hanford job that offered him $2,000 more a year with a great benefits package to come work for them. This was the job he wanted in Washington. It looks like we're staying.

Looks can be deceiving.

This past Monday, Mike is told that the Utah company wants to have another guy interview him on the phone. That one took two hours. Then he is told that he will be having another interview that night. That one took an hour. "Thorough" Mike says, "that's good." By Wednesday morning, Mike has been called with an offer from the great state of Utah. "Out of 100 applicants, Mr. Nelson, we feel you're our man. Here's the offer." And really it falls flat on it's face. Its actually 11,000 LESS than what he is making now.

Mike comes to me and wants to know what we can cut out. I scoff and then realize he is serious. I pull out the budget book and say, "Food and electricity?" It's not like we've been putting away 11,000 a year towards savings or anything. I finally have him admit that we can not live in Utah on 11,000 less than what we are making now. He sadly dials the number and tells the nice HR lady that it is too small. He sadly continues with his work day knowing that he has a new job that pays better and will be starting there in two weeks. A couple of hours later, the nice HR lady calls again. She offers up another number along with a potential bonus that gets us to what he is making now. Mike is back on cloud nine, calls me and starts in on how we can make it. I told him that I don't buy groceries once a year with a bonus and the electric company wants to get paid monthly. The bonus is nice, but it won't help us month to month. We could live in Utah, but we wouldn't be doing anything outside the 4 walls of our own home. That sounds like fun, especially when you know you have left free money at a job in Washington. And, we have a missionary pretty soon. Do you want me to have to work full time? I already have a full time job and I am QUITE irreplaceable.

By noontime, Mike sadly (again) agrees with me and is calling Nice Utah HR Lady back to brake the news. In his explanation to her, he mentions the other job offer and what they are offering. He just can't walk away from that for this amount they are offering. She says goodbye (sadly too he thinks) and Mike makes a call to Hanford to tell them when his first day will really be. HR Man in Hanford tells Mike he has to tell someone else of his new start date and gives him the number so he can tell that person the news of his impending arrival.

While he is on the phone with HR Hanford Guy, Nice HR Lady from Utah calls back and leaves a message. Mike retrieves the following message before calling Hanford, "Mike, we have a new number for you. Call me back." He makes the call, his heart not really in it because he has resigned to the fact that he is staying in Washington, visiting Utah and his family for the rest of his life. "Hey, nice Utah HR Lady, what do you have for me?" She proceeds to tell him that not only will they MATCH the number that he has been offered from Hanford, but they will also include 1 more week of vacation AND there is a potential bonus of $5,000 included in the offer. Mike is floored and basically says, "When do you want me there."

Then he calls me and wonders how we'll move the kids in the middle of their school and sports. Um, WHAT????? and WOW!!!!!

At this time, I happened to be to lunch with my BFF, celebrating the fact that we are staying in Washington when he calls to give me the news. I can't even finish my orange chicken. I need to get off the phone. I need a Dr. Pepper. I am floored. I can't look Pam in the face. No, I am not crying, I have something in my eye. What a wild ride and I wasn't even at Silverwood (or Lagoon for you Utah folks reading this.)

I am not depressed. I believe it is an opportunity. Mike makes the money and in my opinion, he needs to be happy at his job. If that is what this will offer, where's a box? I'll get to packing. I love him and will follow him anywhere he goes.

I am sad to leave here. I have great friends and a BFF that took me about 8 years to find. That is sad, but it's been hard for me to "act right" when I tell others that I am moving. When they are sad and deny the fact that I am leaving, it's hard to look so sad about it. The reason I guess is that it is in my personality to deal with change like this (to coin a phrase from one of our great Apostle's mother), "Come what may and love it." Change is easier for me to swallow when I know we've prayed about it and Heavenly Father is in agreement with the plan.

Life is full of changes. It would be miserable to be depressed and discouraged at them all. It is better to realize it is what it is and how can we make the best of it? Yes, I'll miss it here. My friends are really top of the line and our ward family is truly unbelievable. They may be translated soon and I might not be there. But it is what it is. My BFF Pam gave me the greatest support the other day and I didn't even have to ask her to do it. She texted me, "OK, I'll support you." THAT is a true friend. That's why I love her. That is why she better come visit me and bring her mommy with her. I will miss them both.

So that is my big news. I just had to get my feelings down about it. I'm still swimming, wonder what's up around the next corner?

There's Nothing As Constant As Change

Well, it's been a bit since I've written. Almost a month. I will give myself a break, a month between journal entries is not half bad. I mean it could be like Mykalyn's and be about a year (kidding, but I think I'm pretty close).

On the 16th of this month, I was given a new calling at church. My BFF Pam had to move out of the ward. They got a super awesome house with 5 bedrooms, two living rooms, a swimming pool and a cabana (my fancy talk to describe the room where you can change into your swimming suit and go potty.) It is FAN tastic!!! But it did mean that she had to move out of the ward. Now I have to drive about 10 minutes to see her at her house. She swears it's 5 minutes, but Pam, you cannot start the timer ticking at Fred Meyer when the light is green!!!!

Anyway, Pam was the Young Women's President in our ward, but now the opportunity has been given to me. I really am excited. I've been in the RS presidency as the enrichment counselor for some time now. I have enjoyed it, but given the opportunity to work with a bunch of fantastic young women----could it get any better?

As one of the first activities in my new calling, I went with the Priests and Laurels on the Priest/Laurel River Float down the Yakima River. Mike actually went with me which was really nice. We had about 17 kids and about 8 leaders. We floated on tubes down the river, actually, DeAnn and I were in raft. I figured that if I was in a tube floating down the river for a few hours, my rear would freeze right off and that would leave me with an odd shape. Unflattering! So the raft was really the smart way to go. It was so fun. We didn't get to stay together much as a group, but with the girls I was able to float with, it was great getting to see their personalities a bit more. The night before the float we camped and stayed up until the wee hours of the morning which, as you know, is really a feat for me. Staying up isn't so tough, it's the actual being nice while I am up after 7:00 pm that is hard for me, but I did it. The kids played a game called Mafia and it was so fun! Chris Blodgett and Tyler Morgan took turns being the narrator for the game. They made it so fun.

Like I said, I am excited. When they sustained me that Sunday I swear I heard a quiet, but enthusiastic, "YES" as my name was called and it wasn't even from Mykie. That's got to make you stand a little taller while they sustain you. Mykie is so excited to have me in there. I am so glad that she is mine. She is very awesome and I heart her dearly.

My whole family knew of the calling since about the beginning of August and they all kept it a secret. They are so good with the secret keeping!!! Bishop LaDow and Brother Marrott came over and showered me with words of encouragement and built me up by telling me of their faith in me. These are awesome men (and not just because they said nice things about me.)

Well, that is the news of the week. Stay tuned for more...........

There is more.........

Aren't you dying to know???????...................

Brigam's Big Backyard BBQ Birthday Bash

Well, it's been a week since my baby turned 8 and yesterday we celebrated his birthday at a big BBQ in the backyard. All I really had to do after sending out invites was buy food and make the cake. It's great having a Mykalyn around because she eals with all the games. She can really keep those kids entertained!!

We had a pinata which Brigam broke off the hanger after his first swing, Mike had to wrap it up with rope so that all the kids could have a chance to beat on it!

Here's the cake. It's a BBQ grill, don't cha know? It turned out OK especially if I don't compare it to the picture I was copying it from.

Brigam could hardly wait to dig into the candy hot dog!

Now he is looking forward to baptism. He was so funny. Grama and Grampa wanted to buy him scriptures and a scripture case for his birthday/baptism. I took him to the store to get them and found a little pamphlet on baptism that was made for kids. He was reading that thing cover to cover. As you can see the boy is badly in need of a haircut. As he was reading his pamphlet, he asked me, "Mom, when am I going to get a haircut?" I had made a couple of appointments, but something always came up and we've had to cancel them. (Hopefully this Tuesday will be the day.) I told him, "Definitely before you get baptized!" He said, "Good, because I don't want my hair to float up on top of the water when I'm getting baptized because then I'll have to do it again. I have to be immersed." Read, Brigam, read!

He plans on being baptized on September 5th at 4:00PM. We were going to do it the first weekend in August, but Grama and Grampa come home from their mission on the 2nd, so waiting a few days so that they can be there is no big deal! That's Labor Day weekend as well so maybe a few of Mike's family can attend too. We'll see, but for now.....Happy Birthday Brigam!

She's Alright, Folks! She's Alright!

I just have to preface this post to let you immediately know that Mykie is fine. But today we had a huge scare.

Mykalyn had left our house to "drive" the lawnmower back to my parents house, just a block away. After a bit, the phone rang and, of course, no one answered it. I had an excuse, I was in the kitchen up to my elbows in raspberry ice cream so the answering machine came on. I heard an unfamiliar voice on the machine that said, "Um, your daughter just hit into my car...." That was all I heard. I ran out to Mike and told him, "Mykie has hit a car on Perry." He took off like a shot.

As I was waiting I was thinking to myself, 'How could she drive a lawnmower into a car and not know what she was doing?' Then I waited some more and started to get concerned. I was wondering where Mykie and Mike were. I wondered how much damage one little girl on a lawnmower could do and how much time it took to assess that. So I sent Tyler and Brigam around the corner to see what happened. After a few minutes that seemed like hours, the crew all came back with Mykie in front crying. I took her into my arms to let her cry as Mike said, "She went up on the hood. There's a dent in his car." I looked at Mykie and lovingly (but I think I was a little angry) said, "How could you drive a lawnmower onto the hood of a car and not just stop when you just hit the bumper?" Mike said, "Not with the lawnmower. She was on her bike. She ran into a moving car."

That's when I lost it. My baby had been hit by a car. Then I was all over checking out her cuts and bruises, but it was kind of hard as I was in tears.

This is what happened. Mykie was actually heading back to the house after dropping off the lawn mower. She cruised off of 11th and whipped onto Perry Street right into a couple's car that was coming down Perry. She couldn't stop fast enough and he slammed on his breaks, but it wasn't soon enough. She hit the bumper and then hit the hood.

She was pretty shaken up about it, as anyone would. She could remember her phone number, but she couldn't tell the gentleman her name and she asked him if she really just hit his car. He wanted to call an ambulance, but she was adamant that he didn't. I don't know why. Then her daddy came and she felt much better.

Then Mykie spent the next hour replaying the scene over and over in her head. That will drive you crazy! She cried and iced her ankle. As she was sitting on the kitchen floor icing her ankle and crying, I was glad when Tyler came in and said, "What's up Evil Knievel?" Which really lightened up the mood.

She is fine. She says she didn't hit her head, but I think she might of because she has 2 areas on her head that feel like they have bruises. Her ankle hurts a bit, she's multi colored with black, blue and yellowish hues, but she's ok and still with us.

We are just so grateful to our Heavenly Father for protecting her. We've all said our own prayers of gratitude for her safety.

The man that was involved in the accident with Mykie has already called us to check in on her. I made it clear that we weren't angry. It was just something that happened. We realize that it has a bad effect on him as well. It would ruin your day hitting someone even if it wasn't your fault. He was very sweet. He was an older man that was just leaving his son's house that he had been visiting. Thank goodness he was older so he wasn't racing down the street in his car like some of those younger drivers do. His wife ran back to get their son to check Mykie out. He is an EMT. He thought she was OK, but of course told us to keep an eye on her.

Just a reminder to tell your kids to be so careful coming around the corner. Cars aren't expecting kids to whip out there on their bikes!!!

Tyler - there he grows again!

Today was a very special Sunday. After the stake Priesthood meeting tonight, Tyler was ordained by his dad to the office of an Elder and he received the Melchizedek Priesthood.

This was a BIG deal. So much so that I wanted it remembered and decided to do that through food. I planned a turkey dinner complete with stuffing and homemade gravy. We've been salivating over this and speaking about this dinner for 2 days. This morning, I got up early to start stuffing "tom" our turkey. We also had a linger longer after church today, so I was making cookies this morning as well. I had it all organized, the carrots in the pan ready to go, stuffing in it's oven safe bowl, the potatoes are cut up and soaking, the cookies were baking. After I cleaned up the kitchen at about noon it was time for tom to go into the oven. Shortly after that we left for church with Tyler a few minutes behind us. We go to Sacrament Meeting, then Sunday School, then I was in Relief Society when Jeremy came and got me out of class. When I went out there he told me that Tyler was complaining about me being irresponsible. What? Me? What did I do? Jeremy said that Tyler was sitting between Mike and himself. He turned to Mike and said, "Talk about irresponsible! Do you know who is irresponsible? Mom. She left the house today to come to church and left the oven on!" Jeremy said, "Um Yeah, to cook the turkey!" Then Mike got on Tyler about not checking the oven before turning it off and Jeremy said, "I'm telling!" That's when he came to get me. But do you think that Tyler jumped up and ran home to turn on the oven? Or that Mike went himself? No, Jeremy took me back to their class and pulled Tyler out for me. I was trying to wrap my mind around why Tyler would think that a turkey wouldn't need to be in the oven, but that it would miraculously appear right after church for us to eat. As he came out, he said, "I just didn't want the alarm company to call my cell phone and tell me that house was on fire. I was just trying to be responsible." Funny boy, I sent him home to start up the oven again and our 5:00pm eating plans were changed to 9:00pm. But it was delicious - every wit!

Anyway, back to the important stuff - being ordained an Elder. I am so proud of him. I have two brothers, but had never experienced someone close to me becoming an Elder. He is such a great manchild. This church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, prepares our youth to be leaders. It gives them the opportunity to Raise the Bar. They are asked to be more responsible, to serve others, to stop thinking about themselves. When they take this challenge they are on the path that God wants them to be on. They are not perfect, but they are incredible youth. This leaves them free to choose from so many good things they can experience in this life. This Priesthood is a responsibility that is great on an 18 year old shoulders, but I am so proud of him for wanting it and being worthy of it. He's going to be a great missionary. Here's to his future!

Another Year Behind Us

(Um, these are 'graduation caps' that took way too long to make. The kids didn't dare eat them for a whole day. On the other hand, Mike had no problem eating them. Although he did tell me they were cute first.)

Well, the kids have put another year of their education behind them. It was a pretty great year for them all I think.

Brigam really had a terrific teacher, but then almost anyone would have been terrific after the one he had last year!!! He didn't ask me once this year if any school day was Saturday like he did EVERY DAY last year. Mrs. Crandall really made Brigam LOVE reading. Remember last year that he didn't even read on a first grade reading level when he left first grade? Well, this year he is past that. He's been reading things that are 3rd and 4th grade books. Or even older as he proved when he took his $1.00 and bought a biology book at the yard sale next door. I know what you're thinking, "A $1.00 for a book?" but alas Brigam has got my gene when it comes to bartering. Just Can't Make It Happen! Anyway, he loves factual books like Jeremy does. I love the fiction that takes me away. They love to fill their brains with all kinds of stuff that comes back at you in almost any situation.

Brigam even begged Mrs. Crandall to send him to summer school. He said he loved it. I think he forgot having to get up at 6:30 last summer every M-Th while everyone else slept. Mrs. Crandall called me and told me he really wanted to go, but from his testing scores, he didn't need to. I told her that was fine. I am so proud of his growth this year. He is a kid with a bright future.

Mykalyn finished up 6th grade still with that winning smile on that cute face. She learned all about social circles this year and liking "cute" boys. I think she definitely got the beginning stages of flirting down and knows what it feels like when boys think you're pretty. She told me that one day she was staying after in a class to help a teacher finish up some paperwork. She was sitting in a desk. A 7th grade boy came in to the classroom for his next class and realized that she was sitting in his seat. He said to her, "Get out of my seat!" The teacher overheard this and said, "(I can't remember his name), Mykalyn is going to be really hot in high school and you're going to want to ask her out. But she will remember that you were rude to her back in middle school and say no. If I were you, I'd change the way you're talking to her." Then the boy said, "I'm sorry, will you please get out of my desk?" I had to laugh at this.

She really tried so hard in her grades this year and one quarter even got straight A's. She took to middle school so easily. Now she is looking forward to playing sports next year. She wants me to put a program of cardio and weight lifting for her this summer. She is still a great person that is occasionally dealing with hormones and her attitude! She's doing great!

Jeremy is still my ideal "student athlete". He's got the grades, ambition, skills and, apparently, the girls. Yes, Jeremy has discovered girls and they have discovered him. Heaven help us for the next 2 years until he can date. On the last day of school a girl even gave him a kiss on the lips IN FRONT OF HER BOYFRIEND. What's up with that?????? I asked him what the boyfriend did. He told me just stood there and looked confused. I was glad that he just stood there and didn't move into punch Jeremy in the lips with his fist!

He got himself A's and B's this school year too. One of his friends said, "Your parents are so cool. They don't ever ground you because of your grades." Jeremy didn't have the heart to tell him that his grades don't invoke grounding because they are so good. They think because he is fun, funny and athletic that he can't be a good student. They are wrong.

He's now practicing football with Southridge HS. He LOVES his coaches. It is great to see him so happy. He told me the other day, "I think this was the best practice I have ever had in my whole life!" What a change from the coach he had to deal with last year. I guess these guys really coach the kids instead of just tolerate them. He told me that they told the boys to ask questions, that's how you learn (very different than last year.) He told me that when you make a mistake they say, "Hey, Nelly, come here. Let me show you what you did wrong." Then they show the boys and encourage them as they run back on the field to try it again. He said that being treated that way makes him want to try harder to do it perfect just for the coaches. Awesome coaches, it makes me want to cry!

Tyler is done with his formal education for a while. He is looking for a full time job. I wish he would find one. He'd love a warehouse job that he could work at all night, but hasn't found one. He doesn't want retail because he doesn't like to push to sell the items (um, wait until he comes back from his mission.)

He is still planning on going on his mission. He won't be 19 until Feb, so he has a bit to go before he needs the $3,000 we told him he needs to come up with. He'll get there. I am just so proud of who he is. He's a hard worker (when you tell him EXACTLY what needs to be done) and he's a nice brother. What a blessing to have him first to be an example to the others.

I am looking forward to what is to come. I love my kids and love to be around them. They are funny, talented, caring and grateful. Now, I hope I can say that at the end of summer when I have to "share" them with their teachers again! :)

20 YEARS OF WEDDED BLISS

Today's the day that marks two decades of love in my life. Today Mike and I are celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary.

Looking back on the boys that I dated before him, Mike basically "hangs the moon" for me. It's really not fair for me to even compare them to him. He is an extraordinary man. He's honest and funny, smart and competitive and challenging. We've had ups and downs, disagreements that are ridiculous (because you all know I'm right), and fits of giggles. I am so glad that he choose me to live his life and his eternity with. I just hope they have racquetball in the hereafter, or Mike will be one bored puppy!

Happy Anniversary, Honey! I love you!

CONGRATULATIONS GRADUATE!

So, my great big baby graduated on Saturday, June 6th from Pasco High School. I mentioned the upcoming celebration on Facebook and I was told to bring plenty of tissue. "Tissue?" I thought. This is Tyler - not Jeremy or Mykalyn. This is the boy that didn't want to even send out announcements because he saw no need for it. This is the boy that DIDN'T pick up the announcements, cap or gown on any day that Jostens was at the school to deliver them. This is the boy that had to have Jostens HAND DELIVER these items to his mommy at home 10 days before the graduation. This is the boy whose mother slaved over those announcements by addressing them, printing cards and pictures to go inside and told the boy to take them to the post office NOW and he said, "You mean right now?" He wouldn't have even bothered to walk if I wasn't forcing him to do so. He just doesn't really enjoy any fanfare.

And with our media/game room Barn, he didn't even want to have a graduation party. He even said, "If I have a party, who will go to everyone else's parties?" Nobody drove up here to see the graduation, no one called on the big day. It was not a big deal for him.

So why would I need tissue? But I got a little pack and set it right next to the camera for us to take with us to the graduation.

As we were at Edger Brown Stadium, in the far left corner the graduates walk down this hill with a really steep grade (sorry all you girls that wore those cute as heck heels!). I saw them from a distance (because we were late and didn't get to sit in the stadium seats. We got to sit on the grass. Good thing I decided NOT to wear a dress.) Here's the pic

THIS is where I started crying. What's up with that? I couldn't tell you. I couldn't even see him at this point, but there I was crying. But with my dad being a B.S.A. professional all his life and training me properly, I was prepared. I wore waterproof mascara. I brought tissue. I just needed to find it in this darn cute purse on the outside that has NO pockets on the inside. Where is that? I can't see! It's blurry! WHAT? They aren't here? Where are the tissues? (Frantic now) Where are they???? Calm down, where did you last see them. Oh yeah, at home on the counter, NOT in my hand that put them in my purse. So I had to stop crying because I had nothing to wipe my tears away and I was wearing a white shirt and we all know that waterproof mascara is not tear and smudge proof.

Mykie decided that she was emotional too so I wouldn't feel bad. No, really she just had dust in her eye, but I thought it would make me feel better.

Tyler is about dead center in this photo. He is sitting to the right of Skyler who has that head full of big black hair. He looks so attentive. Dirk is on the row right in front of Tyler and to the right of him. Lucky for us, Dirk's family found us and sat right behind us on the grass at the graduation. That was nice to share that together.

Tyler at the bottom of the steps with his diploma in hand. OK, technically there is no diploma in that little booklet, just a picture of the high school, but it should be coming in the mail. I know it for a fact because this official school lady announced to the school board attendees at the graduation that ALL these students had done everything they needed to do to graduate so they are graduates. I'm holding her to that.

They did it!!!! Tyler was looking for the cap that he tossed about 17 rows in front of him. He did actually get his very own cap back. I know because like a good mommy I put his full name in the inside.


At the top of my post, you can see that this is my boy who graciously let me have a photo op of him in this purple graduation gown. He's so handsome. He thinks he looks so young. I think he looks great. I would have put the picture of AFTER graduation with Tyler, Mike and I, but because of the rain (yes, it rained during the ceremony. We were very wet with no umbrella. Um, HELLO it is June!! Why the rain?) I really am vain and don't want to share my rain ruined look with you.
All kidding aside, it was an emotional time. Tyler is getting readyto spread his wings. I just hope that as parents, we didn't clip them too much. I want him to fly and see new things and enjoy this life that he has. He is a really great kid. Better than any teenage boy I EVER knew. He's not perfect, but the gifts that he has are priceless and I am so glad that he's mine. I love him 4ever!!!

Jeremy - Member of the National Junior Honor Society

This year Jeremy was nominated to be a member of the National Junior Honor Society. It's a great honor. To be nominated you need to be exemplary in all five of the following areas: citizenship, leadership, service, scholarship and character. You need to maintain a high GPA (minimum is 3.5 GPA) and you need to participate in 1 service project a month. I am so proud of him and his accomplishments.

This is a picture of him as he is getting his certificate from Mr. Brad Klippert who is in the Washington State House of Representatives. He gave a great speech. I was watching Jeremy as he was truly intent on his speech. Jeremy said later that he loved the part when Mr. Klippert said, "It could be one of you that finds a cure for cancer. You know, take to pills and call me in the morning. Poof, cancer gone."

Principle Parker is in the background with his eyes closed. I think he is praying. It's probably something like, "I am going to miss Jeremy so much now that he is going to high school. Please send me another one like Jeremy this next year. Please, please, please!!!"

Jeremy is just the biggest stud EVER and so dang cute! All the girls say so. Really.

Brigam Deals with Death

Brigam has been a busy boy. He has been sharing his great self with Shirley Dickson who lives across the street from us. Shirley's husband, Dean, has been in a life care center since October of last year. He's been struggling with pneumonia several times among his battling diabetes and becoming increasingly confused. Shirley would spend a HUGE part of her day with Dean and return home each evening. Brigam loves to visit with "Grandma" Shirley and "Grandpa" Dean. Shirley, in turn, loves to have Brigam visit. She's really serious when she tells me that. He spends hours over there.

Two weeks ago, Saturday, Shirley had many, many people at her home. This wasn't abnormal, because she's had lots of family and friends visit her throughout this trying time. That morning, Mike and I took Brigam to his early morning baseball game. We came back about 11am. Mike and I left to go work on the house while Brigam changed out of his baseball clothes and donned on his safety hat and safety vest. He had a hold of his tool box in one hand and an extra safety hat in the other, just in case anyone else would need one. He headed over to Shirley's. He as there for hours! Eventually he made his way over to our other house. I asked him how it was at Shirley's. He said, "Great. There's a lot of people over there. They were all telling stories, so I had to tell a few of my own." I asked him what his stories were about. He said, "Oh, you know. Bottle rockets and fishing." Well, after I stifled a giggle, that was that.

About 9PM, Mike and I were still at the house when Jeremy called me and told me that Shirley just called him. She told him to let me know that Dean had passed away that morning and that was why all those people were over there. Heartbroken for Shirley, Mykalyn and I rushed over to her open arms. We cried a bit with her and then she told me how grateful she was to have Brigam spend that day with her. How he helped to make that day a bit more bearable. Then everyone there started talking about Brigam and his great personality. They all love him. I am actually not known by my given name, over there I am known as, "Brigam's Mom".

Before Mykalyn and I left, Shirley mentioned that she didn't tell Brigam that Dean had passed. She thought that should be my job.

I went home grateful that Brigam's little spirit could bring so much joy, but a little downtrodden at the task ahead.

As a family, we happened to all be gathered in the garage of the new house. I came down to Brigam's eye level and told him that Dean had died. That he was no longer at the life care center. He said, "Oh" and that was the full amount of emotion shown by him. I was a little surprised with his reaction. I remember Jeremy's tears when I met him at the bus stop after school one day when he was in second grade. We sat down on the curb together as I told him that his beloved scout leader, Brother Bailey, had passed away. There were tears, hugs and explanations of eternity. Brigam's reaction surprised me.

It was only a few moments later that the family parted ways. Tyler and his friend headed home. Mykie and Mike stayed in the garage. I headed into the house with Brigam close behind. About 10 feet from the garage, Brigam burst into tears. He said, "I am so sad that Dean died. He was so nice to me." I instantly wrapped my arms around him and cried with him for a few moments. Then I said, "Brigam, you've got a great family that really loves you. You are surrounded by people that love you and want to have you around. You live in a warm and welcoming home where we talk about many blessings we receive and it feels good at our house. Your life is pretty good and makes you happy, right?" He agreed, then I told him that with as good as this life is, Dean had gone to a place that was much better than this beautiful life that he left. That Dean missed his family, but was very happy where he was. He will be able to see all of his friends and family again.

Then Brigam spoke with a wisdom and understanding beyond his years. He said, "Right, and what's that word that means you'll never have to die again?" "Immortality?" I answered. "Yes," he continued, "Dean is immortal and well never have to die again. And he'll be resurrected because of what Jesus did, huh!" What a testimony and understanding all from a 7 year old. Simply a priceless moment.

What's Been Keeping You!!!!????

So it's been quite a while since the updating of the blog activity has been performed. I have been busy with my own "extreme home makeover" session added on to all my other activities. This update doesn't mean that our new home is "move-in" ready. We are still a few weeks away from that. This update only means that I am 700+ miles away from the house making working daily on it pretty close to impossible. I am actually at BYU Women's Conference. As always, it has been an uplifting and educational experience. Each time I come, the first thing I am in awe about is the amount of women that are in attendance. In fact, we tried to attend a class entitled, " Sweet and Simple Teachings that Create a Happy Marriage ( you see, I feel so badly that Mike is not in attendance at this spiritual and informative gathering that on occasion, I take a class particularly for Mike. I then take copious notes so that Mike can learn things as well. I am sure he appreciates me and my great suggestions for the betterment of his life. This "Happy Marriage" class fell into that category.) The "classroom" that this class was being held in actually holds about 1700 people. There are 15 other classes at this same time. Needless to say - we, and a bunch of other women, didn't get to attend the class. It was full. No worries though, I told Mike that I would make him a list of Sweet and Simple Things to make my, ( I mean "our" ) marriage a happy one. He is so looking forward to my list.

I've come to women's conference this year with Pam Nielsen, Sherri Russell and Marie Noble. (Not pictured is Marie. She was at a different class when this was taken.) It was a lot of fun. Belly laughing is good for all sorts of things. These girls make that easy. I should do it more often.

Not every class was a "winner" for me though. There were some that were making me "VERY, VERY SLEEPY" thus the need for Chocolate. You see my dad was a Boy Scout and taught me well. I am always prepared!!

I was greeted with this when I drove in from Women's Conf. Mykie (and Brigam made is own) created a welcome home sign for me. Wasn't that so sweet? She's such a girl!

I also got to meet Pam's parents, one sister, brother, a cousin, an "aunt" and a 2nd cousin this weekend. What a great family!!! Her mom and dad (and all of them) welcomed me right in. I am so glad that they are going to be up here with Pam for a change. She has really been looking forward to having them here.

I have also been so busy with that house, I almost completely missed the beginning of Spring. If it wasn't for Jeremy, I would have missed it all together. On a busy street close to our "houses", the city planted many, many trees that line both sides of the road for many, many blocks. These trees have been so bleak and naked for so many months.... Well, I had run Jeremy over to pass off a merit badge sandwiched between putting in a new light fixture and food shopping.

(This is that night at the Court of Honor where Jeremy is now a Life scout. By the end of this year he should get his Eagle. And he's only 14 - what a focused stud-muffin!)

Now back to the story......

As we were pulling out onto this tree lined street - waiting to turn left, Jeremy says, "Mom, these trees are so beautiful! And they smell sooooooo good! Don't they look beautiful?" As I was waiting for a break in the traffic, I looked with new eyes at that lined street. They were beautiful. It looked like fragrant, fluffy clouds on each side of the street. I thought to myself, "When did that happen?" I mean, I drive that street EVERYDAY. I couldn't believe that I had almost missed it and because of my 14 year old boy that actually appreciates beauty, I didn't miss it. Jeremy is the best! Just to prove I don't always miss things, I took this picture of Spring at BYU while we were there. Aren't they so cute?

Tyler just experienced his first Senior Prom. It was his first (and most likely) last school prom. He went with Carmen, the same girl that he went to homecoming with. Now before you get any ideas about a little lovin' goin' on - He asked Carmen because it was a no pressure date. It was a date of convenience for a night of no romantic pressure fun. They went to Bonefish Grill where Tyler learned about overpriced food and small portions for the money. He did have a fantastic looking tux (as you can see). He even had shoes that matched his tie. I am NOT KIDDING! Anyway, he got the tux for a bargain price - he is always getting the good deals! I need to take him shopping with me more often. He even found us an (originally) $1300 couch for the barn for $200 at Walker's furniture. It was a returned item, but it is going to work great for the "play room" in the barn. It was the most comfy couch of all the couches there. I should know, we sat on all of them. Tyler would go to a couch, sit in it, say, "Nope, this isn't the one." And quickly proceed to another one only to say the same thing. I showed him the clearance room and there he found "The One". For a man, he really knows how to shop!

Well, the carpet comes in at the end of the week. We are excited. I told the kids (who are having one heck of a time living together in this house for some reason) that they can sleep on the floor of their new carpet on Saturday the 9th if they want. We will be slowly moving our stuff in during the days that follow. Maybe the kids will want to help again???? That would be a marvel! Then Pam's folks, Mike and Lorraine, will be able to move in here and take care of Mom and Dad's house and the garden! Mom and Dad, it won't all go to weeds now - Lorraine is here!!!!

So there is light at the end of the tunnel - not just another paint can to open! :) I'll post more pictures soon!

Before and Now (not AFTER because we are not quite there yet!!)

The following is a report on why I haven't put anything in this blog for so dang long!!!! With help from the family and the super support from my BFF Pam - here's what's been keeping me occupied!

The house before.... The house now..... the shutters are on a little hiatus - they are looking for a new coat of paint in hunter green.

The front room then ....

The front room now with the "magic" paint that seems to change actual color with each room we paint it in.....

The kitchen then with (mostly) '74 cabinets.....The kitchen now. Yes, it's that blue. I really see it perfectly with the cabinet fronts being refaced and painted a cream color. Seriously.....This is the cabinet in it's nakedness. It's really going to be uber cool! I just might start making nightly dinners again!The stairs before.....

The stairs now. This wood is so pretty. I'll have to work on some worn spots with stain to match it, but the look is really beautiful with all the other wood in the house.

The master bedroom before. The rose carpet is loverly!!!The master now - with the magic paint.Mykie's room before - no seriously - that's really what it looked like.

Mykie's room now. The walls are such a bright yellow that every time I walk past her room I think the lights are on. She wants orange and hot pink in there. It really looks great. Being so bright, it fits her personality perfectly.

Brigam's room before....

Brigam's room now. It is a tool themed room. The words on the wall are different tools made with a font in which each letter is created from tool shapes. Everything is going to be "tool" themed including his "construction" headboard and his sawhorse night stand. More to come.Tyler's room before....

Tyler's room now.... He originally wanted black (what?? Is he Gothic?) So we decided to go with dark blue and white. A definite U of U lover with those bedroom colors? Whatever!
Jeremy's room before.....

Jeremy's room now. He wants it black and white. I'm ok with the black as long as it is on posters. New York, jets, the SLC temple. It will be filled with black and white posters. Go black! The barn before....

The barn now. It also is missing it's hunter green shutters.My craft room (in the barn) before.....

My craft room now painted with the magic paint! I am so excited to fill it with paper and vinyl!!!!

Barn living room before....

Barn living room now.... It's going to be a great place for the kids and their friends to hang out. (Especially since I will be right upstairs ANYTIME I WANT)

Barn kitchen before.... Barn kitchen now.....

Garage before....

Garage now... Look, we've already started making it look stuffed with stuff!

We are all working hard on making the house our home. Carpet should be here in a couple of weeks, so there is still work ahead of us, but it's coming together.