calico Give away!

These little monsters are exactly what your kids need or just what you need to help get into the Halloween season. Cally of calico is a good freind of mine and I remember her doing this sort of thing when we were younger. Who knew it would become more then just a fun hobby. She is extremely talented and I am so proud of her for expanding this wonderful gift she obviously has. So check her out and leave a comment. You wont be sorry!

I have a 9 year old! Yikes!

Happy Birthday Layton!

My oldest son turned 9 on Saturday and I really can't believe that time has gone by so fast. There is only a year left before he gets into the double digits in his age and I'm sad to see these years go. He has always acted older then he really is. Even as a 2 yr old he was getting in trouble for saying things to people he didn't understand. But because he acted like a child who would know better he was misunderstood a lot. Unfortunately, this hasn't changed much. His mouth is still running faster then his maturity level. I'm sure he'll grow out of it eventually but not without some hard life lessons I'm sure. Because of this though I think I feel him slipping away into independency quicker then I had anticipated. I am truly proud of the way he has grown. It isn't easy for either of us, but well worth it when I see the man that he can become.

For his Birthday he wanted to keep it simple. A sleepover with 10 kids. Simple right? Luckily only 3 of the 10 could spend the night. Everybody else left around 11:00. And all I want to say to that is Hallelujah! It made my night a bit easier. I think he had a good time. The party started at 6:00 and didn't stop moving until 2:00 in the morning. In between pizza, opening presents, singing and blowing out candles, the kids played our new Wii and the X-box. A boys heaven! And if those were taken then we also had a play station set up. After awhile I took the boys out to play ghost in the grave yard and other silly night games. It was fun to see them run around hiding and seeking like I did when I was that age. It brought back some fun memories. I hope he will have the same wonderful memories of his childhood like I do mine. Then I'll know I did something right. Here are some pictures of his party. There were so many boys in my house We could barely walk around. And there was a lot of rough housing that we definitely did not have room for. I told Don we need a bigger house for next time because this party (in Layton's mind) was a bit on the small side. Go figure!

They were SCREAMING the happy birthday song in the most annoying way only ten 8-9 year old boys can. Note to self: We will be skipping this part next time!

Now for my favorite part of the night! This truly was a lot of fun!

Happy Birthday my sweet Layton! I wont let another year go by without making sure you know how much I love you on a daily bases. This is my promise to you! I love you sweet pea! ......... MOM! Don't call me that!...... Why?.......... Because I'm 9 now and that is what you called me when I was a baby. It's embarrassing........... Can I call you that for just one more year ? PLEASE?........ NO MOM! You call Brigham that and I am to much of a Man for that........... OH REALLY! OK, I get it, I get it! No more sweet peas. How 'bout "My Little Man"? Hee Hee......... MOM Seriously!

Granny, I love you!

Boy, It's been a long time since I've blogged. I have to say I miss it. Life after a deployment is not always easy. A lot of adjusting going on whether we like it or not. And just when we were getting things back to normal wouldn't you know our lives got flipped upside down again. I received a phone call from my mother explaining that my grandmother (Granny) went in to surgery, had a massive stroke, and wasn't going to survive. I haven't seen my Granny in over 2 years and all I kept thinking was "NO! not yet!" I wanted to see her one more time. Get that final hug that could never be mistaken. Losing a close family member is something I haven't had to do yet. Everybody has their time I know but it has taken me awhile to write this post. It seemed more final writing it down like this I guess. And I didn't want to face all the emotions that come with it. We immediately had to change our planes for the funeral. I was so grateful that Don could be there with me along with the kids. I knew she was happy to see all of us there. Along with my family, my sisters were there and my brother. My aunt and uncle from Utah and two of their kids and my other aunt and her family and uncle and his children who live there. It was a beautiful funeral, If there is such a thing, and we actually all had a wonderful time just getting to know one another again. I know that is exactly what she was wanting for a long time. A family reunion. And she got us there.......But we missed her, In the kitchen, making every southern dish you can think of from scratch. The kitchen was here domain. She knew it like the back of her hand. In fact in the last couple of years she had become pretty blind I was told but you never would have guessed it as she moved about making this and that for family and friends. As I was looking through the cupboards for some jam for the kids I found a whole stash of plum jelly that she had made 2 weeks before. I wanted to take one with me and savor it, never letting her memory fade. My grandpa Evan (Pa) was so strong. I wasn't expecting that but I should have known that he would be that way. That's how she would have expected him to be. My Pa told me that after he came home from the hospital and started off to bed he went in to his bedroom and saw the bed all done up and made just right. It was then he knew that she knew she was not coming back. And he almost didn't want to pull down the sheets. I wouldn't have, I know I'm not as strong. She was in a lot of pain and despite everybody asking her not to get this very risky surgery, she decided she just couldn't live that way anymore. And for that reason alone I am grateful that she is where she is, happy and safe from any pain. For my mother and her two sisters I decided to make bracelets that were all the same. I also made one for their mother to ware for all eternity. I was hoping this would help in the healing process for them. But it turned out that it was for me as well. I got to place the bracelet that I made for her on her. I was a little leery at first. I think any funeral is hard that way. But it became very personal and I knew she loved it. Oh, I miss her! She was good to us all and now she is just getting everything ready for when it's our turn to pass through the Vail. She's just like that. That's what I like to picture any way. I cant wait to see her again and receive the hug I'm aching for. I miss you Granny.

This is my mom and her dad, my Pa.

Me, Sister Tiffany, my Mom Faye, Sister Mandy, and Sister Natalie.

My Uncle Harold and his kids: Alisha, Timmy and his wife Leandra.

Cousin Alisha, her mom Aunt Brenda, My wonderful Pa, Sister Mandy and her son Tyson. My mom, My awesome aunt Linda, My sweet, sweet aunt Margret. Sister Tiffany, cousin Cami, daughter to Aunt Linda, Cousin Lindsey,daughter to aunt Margret. That's not the whole crew but you get the point.

The love of my life has returned!!!

Yes! The day has finally come!! The day we are reunited. We were all so excited for this day and I didn't want to miss anything. So I asked my dear friend Megan if she would come and take pictures for me. She was so willing to help. She even rearranged some things in her life so she could be there for me. And what I got from her generosity was nothing less then priceless. I was just looking for a few pictures for documenting the occasion. But what it turned out to be was a story of our lives in that moment. You can see every emotion. The waiting, the anticipation, the excitement, the joy and the love. All of this in these photos. It is such a blessing for us have these. I can always look back on them and remember that it was difficult but very rewarding. Everybody hates deployments but the best part of it is the homecoming. I hope you enjoy these beautiful photos. And be prepared there are a lot of them. I couldn't just pick a few when so many help tell the story of that wonderful moment. Thanks again Megan! I owe you one!!!

Chapter 1: The wait!

We arrived a half hour earlier then they said to just to be safe. But the plane was about 45 min. late. So the wait time was long and hot. There was a nice breeze but only occasionally. Thank goodness for shade.

Kelland had a hard time waking up from his nap. This kid can sleep. I picked him up from school in the middle of his nap and he slept in the car on the way there, in the stroller as we waited and I still had to wake him up. The kid needs his sleep I guess.I LOVE this picture. I don't get to see this everyday. In fact I don't think I've ever seen them do this. I remember laying in my sisters lap like this as a child but I guess because they are boys they show affection and kindness in other, mostly aggressive ways. I'm so glad I captured it.

Chapter 2: The plane has landed!

Wake up Kelland!! Daddy's plane is coming!Brigham says "Daddy plane Mom!!""Daddy! Daddy!"He actually got down from my arms and ran towards the plane. I had to chase after him and he wasn't happy about it. Pretty confusing for a little one with no Patience.

Chapter 3: The Anticipation

We had to wait for customs to go in and check everything before they gave us the "go ahead" to start walking down towards the plane. So more waiting. And as they started stepping off the plane, it was person after person and they all started to look the same.

In this picture you can just see how anxious they are looking for their father.

And then out of nowhere he pops out of the crowd with a huge smile on his face. Oh! how I missed seeing that face!

Chapter 4: Reunited!

Layton and Jaren saw him first and ran to him for his embrace. He didn't even have time to put his stuff down. When Don saw this picture He cried. He missed them so much."DADDY!""Is it really you?""It is you!"Finally my turn. How I longed for this moment.

Chapter 5: updating Daddy

"Look! Daddy plane"Jaren seemed to have more to say then usual. He was very excited!And Layton being funny and updating him on all his football glories.Jaren showing his dad his wiggly front teeth.One more longing embrace.Chapter 6: Ready to go home!

Let's go home Daddy!Thank you Megan!

Epilogue

What a magical day! As Megan was taking pictures of us she happened to capture another reunion. I thought this was to sweet not to post! That little boy is so precious with his eager run towards his dad. This day was filled with moments like this. Later when we were waiting for the luggage to arrive I witnessed an Airman pick up his loved one and swing her around in a bear hug. I saw a father throwing his child up in the air with joy on his face and the boys laughter filling the air. And I watched as one more kiss just wasn't enough before leaving to grab his bags. I loved being there and seeing all the happy faces around me. It was truly magical..........A moment I'll never forget.