Today...Sunday...

I finally figured out why it is so hard for Chuck and I with Daniel being gone on his mission. It's because he is the baby and there are no other children to worry about so our thoughts turn to him more than they did when Michael was gone and Daniel was the only one home. So...it's good to understand that I am normal and it's all okay and it's okay for me to feel the way I do. It's just so much harder than it was with Michael and I'm glad to finally understand why. I just can hardly wait to hear from Daniel and hear how things are going for him and how he is growing and adjusting to being on a mission. He was so sad to leave too and I am told that is normal...he isn't any different than the other young men that reported. The elder that was his host when he got there said that he cried his eyes out when his parents dropped him off too...that was good to hear.

So today was church and it was so strange to not have our Daniel with us. We are both so proud of him and so glad he is where he is but we have to adjust to all of this too and we are...just takes some time.

The smoke outside is horrible. There is a fire on the other side of the mountain range and the smoke is killing us here. I had to leave the swamp cooler on last night and the house is very cold but it helped to keep some of the smoke out so we can breathe. I feel for the people that are living closer to it...it's pretty bad...just have to wait for the brave firefighters to get this under control and pray for them that they will be safe while they do it.

Daniel is at the MTC

So...we dropped Daniel off on the 26th at the MTC. I must say it wasn't the easiest thing to do but it is exactly where we want him to be. We got there to the MTC and parked in the upper parking lot where the attendant told us to park wherever we wanted and take our time. We walked to the entrance of the MTC and took some pictures. It was something I really wanted...some pictures with Daniel at the MTC.

All Missionaries...Michael, Daniel, and Dad!

Michael/Oregon Portland, Daniel/Chile Concepcion South, Dad/Germany Munich

When we were done we walked back to the car so we could drive Daniel down to the drop off area.



We said our final goodbyes for 2 years and had to go back and pick up our things and head to home. It was a 10 hour drive and we got home at 12:30 am but it was so worth it. Chuck's and my hearts are hurting and we are missing Daniel like crazy but it's where he has to be and where we have raised him to be...we are so proud of Daniel and love him so much. He will be a wonderful missionary.

Family Time

So we got together with my side of the family tonight and had a great time. It was so wonderful to bring food together, eat and sit and relax and visit. I love my family and really appreciate my twin brother, David, for hosting this for me at his house. He and Janna are so sweet and always willing to help out...thanks David and Janna, you two are AWESOME!

Aunt Janna, Uncle David, and Daniel

It was great to have my family celebrate Daniel going out on his mission. My sister, Viki, has her son on his mission to Taiwan so Daniel is the 4th grandson to go serve a mission. Considering my brothers never served it's pretty awesome to see the grandsons stepping up to the plate to serve the Lord. They are all so wonderful.

It was just a great time and I sure love my family and was so happy to spend some time with them.

Stephanie, Daniel, Arolyn, Michael

Aunt Viki and Daniel
Daniel with Uncle Jerry and Aunt Janet

Daniel with his Grandpa Shell and Grandma Colleen

We are in Utah with Daniel

So...here we are...in Utah with Daniel getting ready to drop him off at the MTC in a few days. He was set apart on Friday after which we had a birthday party for Camden who is turning 2 on Monday. When it was time to leave the tears flowed for Daniel had to say goodbye to his sister, brother-in-law, Alex, Ariana, and Camden. That was so hard for him as it is so hard to say goodbye to the kids. Earlier in the day Camden told Daniel "Don't go away"...Daniel had been telling the kids that he was leaving for a while and wouldn't be seeing them. The kids were pretty confused because he was staying...but when it was actually time to leave Alexander actually started to cry, he knows so much more than we realize! We feel that he realizes it will be a while since he sees Daniel as he was crying and saying he would miss Daniel. So Daniel ended up having to drive a car home and cry and deal with his emotions, hard night to say the least.

Then Saturday morning dawns and I go in and tell him to get up and he doesn't want to...lol...he wants to stay! Well, that's not an option so he finally got up and got packed and quite a bit later we finally were on our way to Utah. Hearts are tender right now but Daniel has gotten a blessing and we know without a doubt that this is what he is to be doing and he will get through this. The trials come before the blessings so we get to endure our little trial right now. :) It's just hard because he is the baby and has never left home. This is so good for him though as it will help him to become the man that he needs to be and I know that my Heavenly Father is watching over him and will take care of him on his mission. He has special men that are assigned from the other side to help him and watch over him and he will do GREAT!

So...here we are planning on seeing family and some friends and get Daniel fully ready for the MTC. It's wet up here so it's humid and hot but we intend to enjoy the next few days to the fullest. Family is the best and the Gospel is worth sacrificing for and living and we will go on and get through the tender moments and enjoy all of the moments together. I love the Lord and am so grateful that my sweet Daniel is willing to serve Him and do as he has been asked to do. I know that the people of Chile are in for a treat when Daniel gets to go and serve with them. What fun experiences await. I just will be glad when we are done with this trial...lol

Daniels Farewell

So today was Daniels farewell. He spoke in church on Obedience. Sister Rasmussen and Brother Turner were the two that spoke with him. They had a confirmation for two young girls who were baptized last night so the meeting took a bit longer than planned on. So by the time Daniel was to speak it was time for the meeting to be finished. We sang one verse of the practice hymn and then the bishopric told Daniel to go ahead and give his talk. Daniel gave a wonderful talk and the meeting ran over by 10 to 15 minutes. It was worth it though as all of the talks were very good.

Then this afternoon we had an open house for Daniel from 2 to 4 pm. Daniel wasn't sure anyone would even come but we had a houseful of people. Catherine took pictures of those that were here and it was just so nice to have so many people come to wish Daniel well as he gets ready to leave for the next two years. I think he was very please and surprised to see all of the support that he really has from the members of the ward. I am so glad that I went ahead and had this open house for Daniel...he is such a great young man and I am so proud of him.

So...that was our day...very busy with lots of good friends. I am so blessed and I appreciate what my Heavenly Father has given me so much. I am so grateful for children that honor their testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ, that know and love Him and will do whatever He asks of them. I have a testimony of the Lord, Jesus Christ, and my Heavenly Father. I love Them so much. I am so grateful for my wonderful family and friends. I am blessed with the challenges that come with the blessings but I know that with my Heavenly Fathers help I can get through anything.

Daniel going on a mission is one of those challenges and blessings. It is something that I have always wanted my sons to do, serve honorable missions for this church, but it is still hard to let them go for two years to places we have never been. I wouldn't want Daniel anywhere else though and am so glad that he has chosen to serve for the next two years. I have set up a missionary site blog so that our friends and family can keep in touch with what he is doing on his mission.

A Wedding and Reception

So tonight was Janae Demke's wedding and reception. She married her long time boyfriend, Barndon Wolfe, and the ceremony was at the house and backyard. Ginger had it decorated very pretty and did a good job on a limited budget. Janae wore an off-white halter style gown with a butterfly in her hair which she had long and curled. She was a beautiful bride and it is so crazy that she is old enough to be married. The absence of Jared was very much felt this evening. Joseph and Jedi walked Janae down the aisle and gave her away along with Ginger. I thought that was a nice touch to have the two boys give her away too. Janae was married by a pastor as her new husband is Catholic and she is a less-active LDS so they went with a non denominational pastor. They read their own vows and the pastor never did call them husband and wife but that's what they are now.

Janae married into a very nice family that is very good to her (Ginger was telling me this) and she and her new husband will be living in Victorville in the house that his family helped them to buy. It's cheaper than rent and they have a place of their own. She was very happy and it was so great to see them and visit with the other friends of ours that were there. The party was in full swing when we left so they were all having a fun time. It is so different to go to a wedding and have the alcohol that people feel is essential at it. But...not my concern...just hard when I saw Joseph smashed from the alcohol he consumed...it's hard to see the choices that are made. His choice though, right?

I love that family so much...sometimes it's hard to see choices that are made but I love them no matter what. So...that's what happened tonight and then we came home to make sure the house is picked up so we can have an open house for Daniel here tomorrow afternoon so he can say goodbye to ward members as he leaves on his mission the 26th and we are leaving next Saturday to take him up to Utah.

Well...off to bed...

School has started...again...and time is flying by!

It is so hard to believe that school has started once again. I swear the years are flying by! This year is special because my grandson, Alex, has started Kindergarten! I can't believe he is old enough to be in kindergarten but he is. Ariana has also started pre-school and that's just too crazy too. When did they get so old as to be ready for school? I am so excited for the both of them though and I know that they will LOVE going to school, they already do. Alex loved pre-school last year and will love being in kindergarten this year.

I know that every year I am amazed that school is starting and equally amazed when it's the end of the year and school is over. It goes so quickly, especially the older I get the faster time seems to fly.

Speaking of time flying, Camden is going to be 2 years old on the 24th and he is so tall it seems like he should be turning 3 or 4! He's such an amazing little guy, like his brother and sister are so amazing....but he's growing so quickly also. So much fun these grandchildren!

Daniel is leaving on his mission in like 13 days now. I can't believe that one either, like I said, time is flying! I am so excited for him and the new experiences that await him. I will miss him like crazy but wouldn't want him anywhere else than where he will be...serving the Lord for the next two years of his life. I know that he is nervous as he is such a homebody but I know he will do an amazing job and will serve the Lord well. I love you Daniel!

Michael is up in Alpine living at his grandparents until he can get in his dorm room and has been able to get financial aid for BYU so he's all good with that. What a blessing for him to get some grants to pay for his education. I am so proud of him and his good hard work.

My birthday is coming oh so quickly also...I am planning on going to Disneyland for that day...it will be fun and free since it will be my birthday, yippee!!!

Fun times ahead.

It's Friday!

So, it's Friday and I have really enjoyed the last 2 days of work. I LOVE working the morning shift...it is so AWESOME! I LOVE having my afternoons free...I'll take this as long as I can. I get off and get to spend time with my husband and son, so cool! Today we went and saw Harry Potter and we really enjoyed the movie. We watched the previous movies at home and then went to this one and thought it was very good. We are looking forward to the final movies now.

The bad news is that my grandchildren have been sick for the last few weeks. Camden now has croup and bronchitis, so scary. I guess yesterday he was coughing and got to be a tinge of blue so Christina being the good mommy she is took him to the urgent care. So scarey! Ariana and Camden have been running a fever since Sunday so Ari is still running her fever, not as high, but not coughing like Camden. Alex had the fever and vomited twice first week then Ari got the fever and vomiting a bit more and Camden got the fever and croup and bronchitis. So...poor Christina has been dealing with sick babies for a couple of weeks now. She's hanging in there and is such a good mommy...but this sure is hard to get through. This too shall pass and I will be glad when all of my precious grandbabies are all well. School starts next week for Alex (kindergarten) and Ariana (pre-k) so they need to be all well by next Thursday. So exciting for them to go to school. They are so excited too.

So, I get to enjoy the weekend with my husband as Daniel has a YSA conference to go to so it will be a fun weekend!

A few Days Off

So...I am enjoying a few days off from summer school until I start regular work on Thursday. The time is going so quickly and I can't believe it's almost time to begin regular work once again. I am grateful for the work though as it is a paycheck...that helps to pay the bills. Chuck is going to be off a bit more this month than we thought so any money we can get is good right now. It is all okay, just stressful.

It's been a fun few days. My niece, Nikki, flew in on Friday and has stayed with us until today. It was so much fun to play games in the evening with Nikki at Christina and Ray's home. Catherine was there too and we laughed so much...playing "Apples to Apples" was just a fun time. We got together and played on Friday and Saturday night and the everyone came to our house. Nikki was gone though and got back right when Christina and Ray and the kids were leaving but I still enjoyed visiting with Nikki. I'm sure her family is so happy to get her back this evening but I wish she could have stayed a day or so longer. It was a fun weekend though and now I get to spend the next few days enjoying Chuck and Daniel.

Daniel reports to the MTC in 23 days...it is going way too quickly but I knew that it would. He's starting to think of it as an adventure he's going to be going on and that's a good thing. He is going to be a fantastic missionary and will have some wonderful experiences in Chile. He is such an incredible young man and I am so proud of him. I will miss Daniel so much, I missed Michael too, but I wouldn't want him anywhere else but serving the Lord for the next two years. Some fun times are ahead, that's for sure. I thought we would have an empty nest to get used to but our daughter, Catherine, is living with us for the time being so we will have the joy of having her here while Daniel is gone.

Well...gotta get some things done around the house and enjoy my husbands company.