Family...That's what it is all about!

This summer has come and gone, and although there were many days that drug on and on, it really did fly by. As I glance over the calendar I am overwhelmed by all the events our family experienced over these past few months; so many wonderful things this summer, and with those wonderful things comes amazing change.

We have spent as much time together as a family as we possibly could because each of us knows that with all this change, our family life as we know it now will never be the same again. And that is okay, right? For Tyler, having all his siblings around with him has meant so much. The kids have all taken full advantage of spending so much time together, and that has been such a huge blessing. We even squeezed in a family camping trip in July, just one last time.

Our first highlight this summer was Jessica's college graduation. My little girl accomplished something so amazing! On June 24, 2011, after 4 years of hard work and study, Jessica graduated with her BSN from Chamberlain College of Nursing. Dave and I couldn't be more proud of her. Now she is studying for her boards then on to the job hunt. I know she will find one and be an incredible nurse. Her goal is to work in Pediatric Oncology. A tough field, but she will do great. She is just that kind of girl!

Derrik and Devin were busily getting ready to leave on their missions as well. Each will be going to opposite ends of the earth, literally!! Derrik will be serving in the Australia Brisbane Mission and Devin will be serving in the Finland Helsinki Mission. This will be the first time in their lives that they will be apart, and until last week, when Devin left for the MTC, we found out what is was going to be like, especially Derrik. The first few days were not easy, but over time Derrik was just itching to get out of here and on to his mission. They gave their farewell talks on July 31, 2011 and both did an absolutely amazing job. Derrik spoke on "The Book of Mormon...Another Testament of Jesus Christ", and Devin spoke on "Jesus Christ". Tyler even played a beautiful piano arrangement of "We'll Bring the World His Truth", which really brought the tears! We were so blessed to have so many extended family members and friends come to support them. Then it became time to send Devin off to the MTC on August 17th. I must admit that there were many a night I would cry myself to sleep thinking about this day, knowing that I would be handing both boys over to the Lord and His care for the next two years. Who better to entrust with your children, right? However, it still isn't easy. We took Devin to the airport and said our good-byes. As Dave and I stood watching him go through security until we couldn't see him anymore, tears came and we knew we had to do it all over again in one week! And today was that one week. Today we sent Derrik to serve. I really thought that tears were all dried up, but as we said goodnight last night, I got on my knees and sobbed. At the airport, he was all smiles; he was ready! Dave and I stood in our spot again, and watched him go until we couldn't see him any longer and tears streamed down my face. My boys are gone for two years. I am so happy that they are able to serve, and are willing to serve the Lord. There is no place I would rather have them be. But a piece of my heart is broken. I have strong faith, and know all will be well.

Now it is Tyler's turn. Life will be so different for him, but I have felt for several weeks now, that it will all be okay; he will be just fine. It is just all about change, and how we face it that matters.

My miracle of gratitude

For a long time I have been a "glass half empty" girl. I don't think I have always been that way, but for some reason I had a hard time to really internalize all my blessings. I knew in my head that I have been extremely blessed throughout my life, but my heart just couldn't grasp it. All I could think about for so long was what I didn't have in my life instead of concentrating on what I have been so blessed with. I knew it was wrong, and it caused me so much unhappiness. My every prayer included pleadings to help me overcome this. No matter how many blessings came my way, I just couldn't shake it. That is, until last month. All of the sudden my eyes and heart just opened up and I was able to see and internalize the abundance of blessings that I have been given. I have tried to explain it, but I just can't. It has been truly a miracle in my life. I see my family in such an amazing and different way. Each blessing is almost overwhelming to me. I find myself enjoying everything with such a greater appreciation; family, friends, home, the gospel, colors from the beauty of all the nature that surrounds me, my health. From the little things each day such as kiss good morning from Dave, or a hug from Tyler; a call from Jessica, Derrik, or Devin; biking and visiting with my great friend Kathy, a phone call from my sisters/brothers/parents. Every blessing has been magnified in my life and for that I am extremely grateful.

Super Tyler to the rescue: Saves A Dinner In Distress

Yesterday was an extremely busy day for us. Tyler spent all day in a Referee class so he can ref soccer this year, Jessica worked all day, and Dave and I worked all day on a new project of ours. (Okay, so Dave did most of the work, and I was his assistant/taxi driver for Tyler). Anyhow, as I was on my way to pick up Tyler at 4pm, I kept thinking, "What are we going to have for dinner tonight." I came up with nothing...no ideas whatsoever. We still had a few more hours of work ahead and I couldn't focus on the dinner issue.

I dropped Tyler off at home so he could work on his homework and I headed back to the project. Two hours later my phone rang. It was Tyler. "Hey mom, when are you and dad going to be coming home?" I thought, oh great, he is going to want to know what we are having for dinner and I had nothing. UGH. I told him we would be another hour. He then replied, "Great. Then I know when to have dinner ready!" Really??? This boy was serious. I couldn't believe it. Tyler has never made dinner all by himself.

We arrived home to find the table set and a great spaghetti dinner waiting for us! He told me that he figured he ought to do something beside watch tv or video games, and we all needed to eat. He told me he wasn't quite sure how to make it, so he went to the computer and googled how to make spaghetti. How resourceful is that? He showed me all the herbs and spices he added to the sauce and how he cooked the noodles just right. I was so impressed. I must say that it was the best spaghetti I have ever had...not just for the taste, but for the thoughtfulness behind it. What a super kid I have!

Season of Change

It has been one week since we dropped Derrik and Devin off at BYU. The trip went relatively smoothly, but by the end we were all ready to part our separate ways. Although the goodbyes were a bit tearful, it was time for all of us.

For the past month my nightly prayers would involve many tears as it would hit me that my time with the boys was drawing to a close. I found myself reflecting over their 18+ years and wondering how it could go by so quickly. I found myself wondering over and over again if I taught them all they needed to know, do they know how much I love them, have I prepared each of them enough for life on their own? What if I missed something along the way? Are they ready? Am I ready? Such emotions flooded me every night.

I became overwhelmed with memories of their lives. Even as I write the tears keep coming. But these are happy tears. I feel so honored and blessed to have raised these two wonderful boys, now men. They have been such a joy to me their entire lives so far. I have been amazed at the strong bond of friendship they naturally have. Even as babies after nap time, they would be in their own cribs throwing things back and forth and giggling for at least an hour later. Oh sure, Devin always knows just what buttons to push to drive Derrik crazy, and Derrik always knows just how to put Devin back in his place. (That will never change), but the love they have for one another is indescribable.

I am filled with memories of their laughter and their smiles. I remember many an evening when we would play silly games in the backyard for hours. I remember them making mud pies in the sandbox, or dressing up as pirates, ninjas, or super heros and fight all the "bad guys". I remember their excitement to play anything that involved a ball until soccer became their sport of choice. I remember how quickly both learned to play piano and how our house was constantly filled with music. Oh how I will miss that.

But seasons change. Our lives have changed. Change is not always easy for me as my children grow and leave. They have been my life and focus and now my heart is aching just a little. But it is going to be okay. To everything there is a season. It is their season to expand their horizons and grow. It is my season to stand in the distance and watch them.

2010 Grads!

I had a wonderful birthday in May. This was the day my Derrik and Devin graduated from High School. I am sure that the school district planned this especially for me! It was a fun filled day of family, pictures and the ceremony itself. I cannot believe that my boys are done with High School and moving on to college. These past four years have flown by! With every event, from cross country meets, choir shows, and soccer, I knew would be the last time I would cheer them on in High School and that always brought a tear or two. Now they are on to BYU and we are all excited for them. I will shed many tears, but isn't this what life is all about? We raise our kids, cheering them on, encouraging, teaching and preparing them so that one day they can leave us and create a life of their own. Parenting is never easy.

She Swims, She Bikes, She Runs, SheRox

Today I accomplished a goal that I really never thought I would ever do. But with the encouragement of my great friend, Kathy, and my awesome family, I set and accomplished it! It took a good year and half + of work, but I did it! This morning Kathy and I competed in the Sherox Triathlon.....yes, a triathlon!! 1/2 mile swim, 13.5 mile bike, 3.1 mile run.

Yesterday Kathy and I decided to make it our prep day, where we went to the Temple, to lunch (Olive Garden for some great pasta), then off to pick up our race packet and rack our bikes. When we got there, it became real to me. We then rented wet suits because the water was COLD! After trying them out in our pool, we felt ready. My nerves were a mess last night, and I didn't sleep much. I've never done any type of race before, so I had nightmares all night about getting lost on the race routes, finding my bike gone, and forgetting something important.

We had to be in Tempe by 5:45am to set up and get ready. The atmosphere was so fun! I started to feel better and knew I could do this! Then my family showed up before the race began! What an awesome act of love and support. They even made posters for me!

The race began with the swim. Although we had been training for a while, I started to hyperventilate when the horn blew and I was off to a really rough start. It took me 3/4 of the way to relax, but I was determined to get through it. Needless to say, the swim took forever for me. Kathy and I had made a pact from the beginning that we would do this race together no matter what, and when I got to the bike transition area she was there cheering me on and waiting for me! That, to me, is a true friend. We started the bike and I was determined to make up the time we lost, so we pedaled our hearts out and ended up passing many on the way. After the bike part, we had to do the run! Our transition time was just a minute then we were off. Even though our legs felt like cement at first we were determined. Both of our families were cheering us on the whole time. Dave even took great pictures throughout. (Do I have a great husband, or what?). We weren't the fastest runners, but we were steady and ended up passing quite a few women on the way. When the finish line was in site, we picked up the pace and, hand in hand, crossed the finish line together surrounded by cheers from our families! It was the best feeling! I finally did it!!

But the best part of the whole experience today was having my family there supporting and cheering me on! This was the best Mother's Day present I could ever ask for!

My Stay at home Mom

Growing up I had a stay at home mom. It has taken me several years to fully understand what that meant. Now I can honestly say that because of her, I am who I am today. There was always a comfort and peace knowing that whenever I came home, my mom would be there to ask how my day was, even when all I could say was barely a grunted "fine". I never questioned whether or not I would come home to an empty house, because my mom was always there. I could always count on her to make great meals, have the shopping done, or have my laundry cleaned folded and put in my room. On top of it all she fulfilled her church assignments and always had time to listen and comfort her family and friends. She made it look so easy, like there was nothing to being a stay at home mom. Later I have learned that couldn't be further from the truth.

My mom was always there for me and for my six other siblings. She was always involved in everything we did. I remember throughout my elementary years, she would be in my classroom once a week volunteering her time, making me feel like I was the most important person in her life. And when my friends from High School needed a place to go and study during and after school, my house was the choice because we all knew my mom was there and surely there would be something delicious to eat! She and my dad supported all seven of us in our various activities (which were many), never once complaining that these took all their precious time. I can only remember one time in my Senior year that she couldn't make my choir concert; there were three other concerts/games going on in my family at the same time. I remember her coming to me, with tears in her eyes, explaining that try as she might, she couldn't make the concert. I was shocked that she felt so badly. I knew that the other kids needed her at that time more than I did and I was just fine about it. She still feels bad, but she shouldn't at all.

Every baby born into my family was a grand event. We never even realized how much work one baby could be because mom made it look so natural, so exciting, and again, so easy. When I had my first baby I wondered how she did it with seven! My baby took all my time, that even a shower became a 5 minute luxury, getting the mail was the big outing for the day and who had time to curl your hair? This was more work than I ever did in my life! Then 2 1/2 years later I had twins! I realized for the first time in my 23 years that being a stay at home mom was harder than any job on this earth! And yet there was my mom, who, with 5 kids ranging from 4yrs-12yrs still at home, took many weekends to come to my home and rescue me! She was even brave enough to take all of them for occasional weekends at Grandma's. I often asked how she did it? I was going to go insane! She was always there reassuring me that I was going to make it just fine, even when I didn't feel like it. Six years later mom was right back with me helping me again with baby #4. I remember the day she left to go home. There I was, baby in hand, and three young children at my feet, crying, and telling my mom that I didn't think I could do this on my own. She hugged me and again reassured me that I would be just fine. I cried harder as she turned and stepped onto the plane. Years later, that reassurance has helped me with life's demands and growing teenagers.

You see, my mom chose to be a stay at home mom, because she knew how this would bless her family. Even when she was bombarded by the world in the 1970's telling women that they needed to free themselves from the bonds of family and head into the workforce because that is where their true identity was, my mom knew better. She knew that her role as a woman, wife and mother was far more important than any other career outside the home. She even took on babysitting to help supplement the income, but more because she offered a secure comfort for other children. For her, the choice was clear: she would stay home and raise seven wonderful children, while supporting her husband and maintaining the home to be a refuge from the storms of the world her family was facing every day. Did my mom want to throw in the towel at times? Oh, I don't doubt it at all. She would remind us on occasion how important her role was by declaring that if we didn't step up and help out, she would go on strike! That was a threat none of us wanted to become real.

Although my mom isn't perfect (who is for that matter), she did make a perfect choice and set a perfect example for all of her children. You see, because of her, each of her four daughters have chosen to stay at home and raise their children just how mom raised us; with all the love, security and comfort of being stay at home moms. My love and admiration for my mom as grown so much through the years and I will always be grateful for my stay at home mom.