Backup, Reverse! November!

After getting Austin to college and then Riley on his mission I seemed to miss a step or two. I continued to take a few pictures here and there but just didn't seem to make anything happen beyond that. Perhaps it was because I knew my heart and emotions were a little too tender to be browsing through old photos when our big boys bodies, minds and spirits weren't filling our hallways or bedrooms but off on adventures of their own. Can be a little hard for a mom to adjust and get used to. Good thing my baby girl won't leave home for another ten years.

So here goes ...

Thanksgiving - we had invited the missionaries but they had two invites already. We invited another family but we were a little slow again. Our friends across the lake had family in town and so it was just us - John & I, Austin home from BYU, Parker and Macey. It was a little quiet but it actually felt really good to just be together.

Oh, and I tried two new dishes this year - Sweet Potatoe Souffle & Cranberry Heavenly Hash. Recipes compliments of my friend, Dana Shaw.





John, Austin and Parker went to the Turkey Bowl (multi-ward football game)at 7am. They ended up having (7) teams or more going. They came home a wet, muddy, mess because it had been raining for a couple days. Austin brought a couple friends home to hang out for awhile before everyone's family feast's. They were all good about getting showered and cleaned up before heading to the bonus room for some video games. I had the forthought to send towels and they actually used them. I thought I had a picture of all their shoes in the bed of the truck but guess not. That was Austin's friend, Trevor's idea. Thank you Trevor!

Parker was in heaven to be able to play big boy video games with Austin - he was asking constantly for Austin to play with him.


We all worked together to get the feast prepared and everyone stayed in the kitchen until the last dish was washed and leftover food put away. Thanks guys for being such great sports and amazing helpers. It's nice not to be the lone one left in the kitchen to do the cleanup.

Kicked to the Curb? or Kissed at the Curb?

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

I am a novice at this slideshow/video creation. I couldn't figure out how to add music to this slideshow. If anyone can enlighten me I would appreciate it. So for now it is soundless!

Riley on his way! Albania - Almost!

It is hard to believe that it has been six weeks since we dropped our oldest son, Riley, off at the curb and said our goodbyes for two whole years. He will be serving a mission for our church in Tirana Albania.

I am grateful that he has a testimony of his Savior, Jesus Christ. I am grateful that he is willing and eager to spend two years of his life to share that belief with others. I am grateful for the man this firstborn son has become. My heart is so full or gratitude for all the blessings the Lord has given me. It is amazing to look back on life's experiences and see His hand as He has guided us along this path of life with its myriad of decisions we must continually make.


The night before Riley entered the MTC - Missionary Training Center we were able to have dinner with two cousins (our nephews) - Ben and Daniel & his wife, Diana Smith. I had gotten to see Daniel more recently but we decided it had been about (8) years since John had seen him.


The word around town was that IHOP served missionaries a free breakfast on the morning they were headed to the MTC. We thought we'd find out - the rumor was true. How cool is that! It was fun to see all these other families with their sons and daughters doing the same thing we were.


Ready . . .


Set . . .


Go!

Fun Times w/Grandma's

It was fun to have (2) Grandmas in Florida at the same time. What a treat! Thank you Grandma Smith and Grandma Swensen for taking a little bit of your time to spend it with us. We love you.



Then we were able to take a detour to Washington before our final destination of Provo, UT. We were able to spend some time there with Grandma Lois and other family. Thanks for coming to see us. Who was it that got 'the last word' anyway?