Elder Loves Farewell

I went to my brothers farewell today who will be leaving on a mission to the Phillipines Cebu Mission on Wednesday. He shared a story that got me in tears, and sent it to me in an email, so I decided to post it on my blog, so here ya go.

My Big Brother

When I was just a small child, I had a favorite big brother. He was great to me. He'd put his big arm around me and we'd go scampering down some cool dirt path. At times like this I felt ten feet tall. He didn't seem to mind me tagging along one bit, and there was nothing I liked better.
I was so proud of him! When I was with him I felt like I was beaming stronger than the sun. He was good at everything. I never could seem to match the mountains he made out of sand. Mine always seemed to crumble and sag, but his would stand as firm as the Rocky Mountains.
Dad always tried not to show how proud he was of him...him being the oldest and all, but his smile always seemed to be a bit brighter when my big brother came around.
I felt that my world had collapsed when he went on his mission. Dad and Mom both had to fight back the tears. He called Dad and Mom regularly and let us know how much he loved us. He even told us about how great his mission was, so Mom wouldn't worry.
The persecution was really bad there as the church was just getting started. But he never seemed to let himself get down, even though the people wouldn't believe his message. We'd all share in his joy when he'd get some new converts, but I don't mind saying that I was scared that the nonbelievers would do something to him. It even got to the point where men were plotting to take his life. But Dad never seemed to be worried for some reason.
Then one day we received word that his mission had ended, but not as most men's do. I was struck by the terrifying news.
They finally got hold of my brother. The big brother that I had played with. The one who never seemed capable of doing anything wrong. My big brother who loved everyone he knew, and who most everyone loved.
They beat him and mocked him. He suffered all they did to him without striking back. Why would anyone want to hurt my big brother? I couldn't understand.
A mob took him to a hill just outside of town, and spitting on him, they nailed him alive to a cross. My soul moaned as I heard that he begged father to forgive them. Racked with unbearable pain, he gave up his life for what he believed. My big brother, my king, my idol was dead. I cried though what seemed to be the darkest day of my life. Where was my big brother with whom I had shaped mountains of sand? Why did he of all my brothers have to die like this?
Time passed and I was called on my mission. Sometimes I forget what happened so long ago, but every Sunday a small piece of bread and a small cup of water remind me of what my big brother did for me and assures me that he yet lives.

The internet world

So I have had this on my mind lately, I don't know why, but I can't get it off my mind. So, we live in a blessed day where we have a way to stay in contact with all those who have been a part of our life. We have blogs, we have e-mail, we have facebook, twitter, instant messaging and so on. But sometimes these things can be a bad thing. If you are talking to someone in person things come out differently than when you are trying to communicate it over the computer. A lot of times when you say things over the computer they could be taken out of context or not taken the way it was meant to be taken. A while back, I commented on someones blog, and after I read that comment, I realized it sounded terrible, so I posted another comment explaining my other comment and it sounded even worse. At that point I didn't know how to fix it. My intentions have never been to offend anybody or say anything rude to anybody, but it did happen, I think. I never talked to this person to explain because I was ashamed. I was thinking one thing and typing something completely different. (By the way Sher, it wasn't on your blog, just to clarify, but I think that was pretty awful). Anyway, I just wanted to post this because even though it was quite sometime ago, I can't get it off my mind. Maybe that person will look at my blog and understand, or this person may not have been offended at all. I don't know. I just felt very strongly that I should write this post. So if I ever offended anyone I apologize. I would never want to hurt or offend anyone because everyones life is hard enough and there is no need to hurt, offend, or put down anyone else. Even if it is unintentional, it has made me consciously think about things before I say or do them. Anyway, like I said, I felt strongly that I should write this. I hope you all have a good day.

First Day of School!

I am once again back in school after another semester break from the jaw surgery. One of these days I will be done with school. Hopefully with no more breaks to get in my way. So, for a little background, I have not taken morning classes at Weber States main campus since my first semster in school which was like 7 years ago or something like that. Anyway, I have taken classes at the Davis Campus or night classes since then. So, I go to school on the first day and I am already running a little late and I have to drop off the girls at the daycare before I head to class. This year we spent $100 on an A2 parking pass, which means we got a parking pass to the parking lot that was more convenient for me in dropping the kids off and getting to class. I wasn't worried about running late because I had that A2 pass. Well, I pull into the Weber State area and there is traffic. I'm like "great!" So, I pull into the parking lot and there are NO spots at all, and there were like 10 cars driving around trying to find spots. I circled the parking lot twice, then I decided I would just go find a W parking lot and park in there. As I was pulling out of the A2 lot, there was my brothers car, parked all nice and snuggly in a little parking spot. So I drive the whole campus looking for a spot and can't find one. So, I go back to A2 thinking maybe someone left and I would get lucky. No such luck again. But, the A2 lot does have special stalls for parents to park that are taking their kids to the childrens school. You have to have a special permit for that, and my kids aren't going to the childrens school they are going to the Nontraditional student daycare. Anyway, parking services were walking around giving people tickets that didn't have passes. So I pulled up and asked the girl if I could just park in one of those spots while I took my kids to daycare. She said that was fine. So after I dropped the girls off, (an hour after I got to Weber), I circled the lot one more time. Finally I decided I wasn't going to get a spot and went to the Dee Events Center to park. I got parked fine there and caught the shuttle back to Weber. So, by the time I got there-- a half hour after I dropped the girls off-- I was rushing to class and I was walking so fast and it was super hot! Then I got to my building and my class is on the third floor. So I took 2 flights of stairs, and finally got to my first class. I was seriously dripping sweat by that time. I walked in, grabbed the syllabus from the back desk, and walked to the only open desk in class, which was in the front, and sat down as she said, "ok, finish filling that out and you guys are free to go." So first day of school- I miss my first class- lovely. Fortunately my other two classes went fine. And today, I had no problems parking, dropping the girls off, or getting to class. I was beginning to think that this was my sign that I shouldn't be going to school. But, I think that life would not be life without experiences like this. I am grateful that I have the opportunity to get my education, even if I have to go through some tough stuff in the process.

Was I really that Swollen???!!??!

So, as you can see, we got new family pictures. My mom scheduled us to get a big family picture before Nick and Stacey moved, and Troy leaves on his mission. So while we were there, Jon and I decided to get an updated one of our family.

The whole family, currently. In a few short months we will have an addition. My sister, Emily, is expecting her first baby in November. We are so excited!!

Grandma and Grandpa and all their grandkids-- Abbie, Faye, Mitchell, and Kaylee.

And here is the original family. Top row: Emily (the oldest), Dad and Mom, Middle row: Jay (4th child), Stacey (2nd child), and Troy (Baby of the family), and bottom row, Holly (3rd child), and Annie (5th child).

Now, as far as the post title goes. We went to pick up the pictures yesterday, so I replaced our family picture in my parents frame, and then came home and went to change our family picture in Jon's parents frame. Jons family got a family picture in December, and we all did individuals there as well. Well, our individual picture from December was the one hanging on the wall. As I was taking it down I went into shock. I knew that I was way swollen before the jaw surgery. I would wake up and my face would feel all jell-o-ey because of the swelling. But, I would look in the mirror and think, "I don't look that swollen." And, as humans, we generally have distorted images of ourselves when we look at ourselves. So I really thought I looked just normal. Anyway, as I took the picture off the wall I could not believe how swollen I actually was. So here is the comparison so you all can see. And I know a lot of you probably noticed, and just were kind enough not to say anything... thanks.

Ok.... I guess it's about time!

I have to apologize. I doubt anyone even looks at this anymore because I never update it. Which I am sorry about. That's part of the reason I haven't updated it because I thought nobody cared anyway so I got discouraged and kind of gave up. But I got a small lecture from my sister, Stacey. She moved to Texas this week and said, "do you realize that is one of the main ways we can know what is going on?? So start updating it."
So, this is all for you Stac! (and anyone else who cares about what is going on in my boring life.)

Abbie, Faye, Kaylee, Mitchell, and Troy (and Annies back side :))
This is at the Layton Parade on the 4th of July. We always watch it at my Moms Uncle's house. He lives on Gentile Street, so it's the perfect place to watch it.

This is what happens when your kids start deciding to dress themselves.

My niece, Faye, turned two on 7-7. So they decided to celebrate the day by going to the zoo and inviting us. I, of course was more than excited to go because I wanted to spend as much time with them before the move.

Abbie and I waiting for the bird show to start.

You all know you can't go to the zoo without a picture in the lions mouth.

Kaylee and Mitchell come up with some silly poses. I love Mitchells.

Abbie didn't understand why I would ask her to sit on a ..... lion? tiger? not sure.

She thought the animal was hungry, so tried feeding it.

Nick and Stacey. They were really enjoying themselves.

Faye is adorable!!!

Abbie loved the slide!!

Kaylee got invited to her first non-family birthday party. She was so excited! It was a Princess party so they dressed up. Of course Abbie had to dress up also, even though she wasn't going to the party.

We went to the Oquirrh Moutain Temple Open House with Jon, his parents, and grandparents. It was beautiful!

The front of the Temple.

Jon, Nick, and Stacey went to see Harry Potter. I didn't care to go so they asked if I would watch their kids. They swam for 2 hours, then came inside to watch a movie. I forgot to get a picture of them swimming, so I took this one instead. Kaylee loves posing for pictures!

So that is what went on in the last month. As far as everything else goes, we are making the most of the remainder of the summer. Jon and I start school again Aug. 24th. Our kids were accepted into the daycare at Weber which makes it really nice so that they can just go there while I am in class. And as you noticed, my sister moved to Texas.... I am pretty sad about it. Stacey and I are only 18 months apart, she has just always been there for me. Stacey is like the mediator in the family, it's sad to see her go, but a good thing. Nick is just doing grad school, then they plan on coming back. It's not forever or anything. So we have spent the summer helping people move. Jons brother moved, my brother moved, my sister moved, Jons sisters bro-in-law moved-- which is also his friend also moved, and I think that's all. So it's been fun.

I hope to keep this more updated--- but you never know. So enjoy it while you can!!

Birthday-Jackson Hole-Mission Call

On June 1st was my 25th Birthday. This is us having cake that night. My mother-in-law and sisters-in-law took me to get a pedicure and out to Olive Garden earlier that day. It was very sweet of them. I was really looking forward to my birthday because this last year has probably been the hardest year of my life. I hope things start getting better this upcoming year... I still can't see the neurologist until September so I hope my pain can just ease up a little for the next few months.

My parents took our whole family to Jackson Hole and Yellowstone last week. This is a picture of Bear Lake on our drive there.

This is us next to a Buffalo at some shop in Jackson Hole.

This is my sister Stacey, her husband Nick, and their two kids Mitch and Faye. They are moving to Texas in July and I am so sad about it!! My kids are the same ages and they are all best friends! Plus I am going to miss my sister like crazy!!

My brother Jay and his wife Bethany. They are in front of some horse thing in the middle of Jackson.

The whole family in front of the ever famous Jackson Hole arches.

A prairie dog that kept going in one hole and popping up another one. There were a few of them, and it kind of reminded me of Whac-a-mole. The kids LOVED them, they just watched them and laughed at them for so long.

My brother Troy and my sister Annie. They wanted to show off their rival school hoodies.

Waiting for Old Faithful. That is my sister Emily and her husband Danny standing up. She recently found out that she was pregnant, which was a big shock to everyone, especially them, after thinking they wouldn't have kids. She was nearly four months by the time she found out and right before the trip found out that she is having a boy.

Me, Stacey, and our wonderful parents who took us on this fabulous trip! If anyone knows my Dad, this is just the perfect picture showing what he is like all the time! Such fun and awesome parents!

Kaylee and Mitchell watching Old Faithful. They are best friends. They were together the entire time. Nick and Stacey were nice enough to let Mitchell ride in our car with us, and Kaylee and Mitch just visited and laughed together the whole ride. They just have these conversations like they are adults and are so much fun! Abbie loved having Mitch in the car too, she kept tickling him and saying "tickle, tickle, tickle."

We are standing in front of some Waterfall, Cascade something.

Here is our campfire. We all had so much fun. The night before this my parents took us all to Bar J Wranglers. It is a dinner and a cowboy show. It was so fun and funny! And they give you a ton of food! They rented two cabins at Colter Bay that were very nice, they even brought their projector and we watched movies one of the nights. We had a really great time. It was really nice to get away for a few days and just have an enjoyable time with the family. Especially since Stacey is moving and Troy is leaving on his mission. Speaking of Troy leaving on his mission.................

The call came on Wednesday!

He is going to be serving in the Philippines Cebu Mission and will be speaking Cebuano. He will be entering the Provo MTC on September 23rd. Troy is the baby of the family. He was so excited and got so choked up reading his call. It was very shocking when he read it! A lot of our family had predicted State-Side. But I am so excited for him and proud of him!