Women's conference

Saturday we flew in too late to go to women's conference so Adaline and I laid on the bed and watched it on an iPad as the little girls were in the bath.  I have been missing James off and on lately.  When it gets so bad I feel like I am going to be crushed in agony I have been given a tender mercy.  Every time.  It's really humbling.  Saturday night at women's conference it was the Korean Children singing 'I love to see the temple'.  It was a if the Lord was saying to me- "Because of your sacrifice your son will bring children like this into the church and they will have the blessings of the temple."  It was a answer to my deepest yearnings.  I am in awe that a video meant for millions of people could be made specifically for me.  How could the Lord know that that was what I was going to need to help get me through another week (or so) of missing my son?  I have a testimony that the Lord knows us individually.  He seeks to bless us individually.  I have a testimony that the Lord is constantly sending us blessings like rain from heaven.  It is our job to live worthy so that we can feel those blessings. (Idea taken from Pres. Uchdorff's women's conf. talk.)  I hope I can live so that I can receive the blessings the Lord has in store for me- missing my son I really need them.

California with Gordon

Gordon is on the board of Intermountain.  The board retreat this fall was in Laguna Beach, California.  We flew out Wednesday night and got to California late that evening.  Gordon's mother watched the kids Wednesday-Friday and my mom watched them Friday and Saturday.  They all got their homework, practicing, and jobs done.  Isaac came down with something while we were gone.  He missed school both Thursday and Friday.  Gordon called in an antibiotic for him.  I didn't even worry because I knew he was well cared for.

That night we flew into John Wayne airport, picked up the rental car and drove to the Surf and Sand Hotel.  When we got to out room we had a corner room with a large porch that over looked the ocean.  I was so excited to go to sleep to the sound of waves crashing.  I didn't pick up on the earplugs on the night stands or the fan that was going like crazy on the ceiling.  During the night we closed the sliding glass door the waves were so loud.  The hotel was built in 1942- before air conditioning.  Luckily the fan kept the room cool enough.  Other than the lack of air conditioning, the room was very nice.

The food was amazing.  We had breakfast overlooking the ocean.  We had lunch on a terrace over looking the ocean and one night we ate at a fabulous restaurant that was the same location as the old pottery shop that I remember going to as a kid.  I was so disappointed it was out of business.  Thursday we went out on a charter boat for a harbor cruise.  The food was amazing (I know I keep saying that but it really was).  That evening we went to the restaurant.  The next day Gordon and I went sea kayaking.  That was a great adventure!  We saw sea lions, kelp, and beautiful houses.  Gordon even got out of our Kayak and snorkeled.  I got sea sick.  It took away from some of the fun.  But I'm glad I went!  Now I know what it is like and I can check it off my list.  I have decided I do not do well with the waves of the sea- we'll see if I eve do a cruise.  That night we had dinner at the hotel.

Each day I did yoga on my balcony as the waves beat up on the beach beneath me. The I would sit and read my scriptures as I looked out over the ocean.  It was a great setting to feel God's power and enjoy the beautiful earth that he created for me.   Gordon and I did a little shelling and playing in the ocean.  We also did a little shopping.  When we go on a vacation we like to pick up something neat for our house.  We just couldn't find anything on the ocean coast highway- that was in our budget.  We did see a picas for sell for $86,000.  Yikes!  The morning we were to leave we went to the gift shop at the hotel and found a cool bowl for me and a glass shell for Gordon- a little more in the budget.  The glass shell sits on a shelf in Gordon's office.  It looks really cool.  We only took about 3 pictures this trip.  It was a quick trip.  It was really relaxing and we did some really fun stuff.  I am so grateful to my mom and mother in law that watched my kids so I could get away.  They are the best!  

Plans

My father had the best of intentions a few months ago and made up a Sunday meal schedule.  It had where the dinner would be and who had what food assignment.  Since then we have not had dinner at one of the assigned places.  There is always something that comes up.  We now joke that if you want to know where the dinner will NOT be you look at the schedule.
I too had great plans this school year.  I made up a morning schedule with hot breakfast of the little kids.  Exercising before the kids are up.  Reading my scriptures in the wee hours.  I had a beautiful schedule and it was working- for about a week or two.  Then I got sick.  Not super sick- a cold that was just enough to make me not stick to the schedule.  The past week we are back to cold cereal for breakfast and hot school lunch.  We are making it. But there are things that we aren't getting around to this year like the peaches and I don't care.  I might really care this winter when I really want peach cobbler with peaches from my trees.  I planted 28 tomato plants and they too will not get canned and I only care a little.  Gordon has been sick too so that doesn't help to have both parents not functioning at full capacity.  I guess I'll just watch for case lot sales and settle for sub par canned peaches and tomatoes.  Next year I might feel differently.  But I'm not making any plans.

So I'm the official district mom

Last week when I wrote James I asked if there was anyone in his district that needed anything to let me know.  He emailed me a list of all the requests from the other missionaries.  He said that his district loves all the care packages I have been sending and that they have made me the district mom.  It makes me so happy to not only be of service to my son (he still needs me- yea!  but to other missionaries too.)  The sisters wanted chocolate rice cakes, an elder wanted gym socks (he didn't bring enough), James' companion wanted soda and they all wanted to try Korean ramen noodles (which they had at walmart- who knew?).  We all had a good laugh at the list that night at dinner.
I thought it would make their Friday to get their requests today.  I went to walmart and bought all the things plus Hersheys kisses for all seven of them.  When I went to Art city Pharmacy to drop it off for them to deliver it, I asked for a box for all of it.  They said that a care package had been returned to them because the elder had already left and I could have that box.  (The box was covered in hearts.  Eleanor did add her own decorations too.)  They also asked if I would please take the contents of that care package because they couldn't return it and wanted it to still go to a missionary.  So in addition to what I bought for them James' district got a 2 liter of Mountain Dew, a bag of salt and vinegar chips, candy, gum (which is not allowed in the MTC- oh well).  We filled up the box.  I a still laugh thinking about James and his district opening up that box today.  I hope they filled loved.
I have become a regular at the Pharmacy dropping off care packages for James.  It has been so fun to let him know we love him and are thinking about him.  I hope the packages make his day just a little bit brighter.  I hope they also help the other missionaries in his district feel loved.  When James left on his mission it left a whole in my heart because I thought he didn't need me anymore.  It made me really sad, but to get a list of all the things that he and his fellow missionaries need made me feel like he still needs me and that I can help not only him but other missionaries too.  It was a happy day!

P.S. Gordon facebook friended James' missionary companions dad.  On his wall it had a picture of his son and James.  It was so good to see how proud they were of his son.  I love to see missionaries have the full support of their family!

Sweet music

I switched Isaac and Jacob's piano teacher this fall.  Matthew and Adaline still have the very convenient piano teacher that just lives behind us.  But putting Jacob and Isaac back with her just didn't seem to fit. I found another piano teacher but had heard that she is really hard.  That always makes me a little nervous.  Will she be mean to the kids if they make mistakes?  What is we have a bad week and the kids don't practice like they usually do (there are those weeks).
But we made the switch and several good things have become of it.  The kids like her and she is very nice to them.  She pushes in just the right way to make them better faster.  The boys are playing two pieces that are trios.  Isaac is one part and jacob is another part.  Another boys plays the last part.  The boys have had the best time with the pieces.  They are spy pieces and Gordon plays the third part with Isaac and Jacob.  It is so awesome to see all three of them in on the piano.  Gordon practices with them in the evening after dinner.  A while ago we tried having Gordon practice with the kids but it always ended in tears.  I don't know what is different but the boys love practicing with Gordon now.  It is something they look forward to.  As much as any 9 and 11 year old boys look forward to practicing.  Today the boys had lessons and they both did great.  They are both happy and I know that I made the right decision to switch.  It is more money, more effort on my part, and more time on Gordon's part but it works and it is just what the boys needed.

The excitement has worn off

James has now almost been gone 2 weeks and I'm ready for him to come home.  But how can I want my son who's serving the Lord come home?  It's a conflict I feel deep in my soul.  I am proud of him, excited for him, thrilled he will be teaching the gospel to anyone who will listen but I miss my son.  It's like I'm on an emotional roller coaster.  I go up and am fine and busy with life and then I realize how much I miss his cute face around our place.  I don't know maybe I just need a good cry and get over it.  Probably.
I was explaining all this to Gordon when it hit me.  My job as his mother has been to create and environment where James learns, grows and is safe.  This mission has been strange shifting in my parenting responsibilities.  I now write letters and send packages.  Oh and I pray like crazy for him.  Today I'm dropping off socks because they exercise everyday and he only took 3 pair of white socks. I also drop off treats twice a week.  I always include enough for his whole district.  I feel bad for the kids who are there with little or no parental support.  I want to lighten their load anyway I can!  I am excited to hear from him Thursday and hear what he's been up to.

The night James was set apart as a missionary.

Good, better, best

Today things came together perfectly.  And I am so thankful.
We got our first email from James.  He's struggling but still doing well.  Thursday's are now a day to look forward to!
I have been on a dejunking spree lately.  I am going through things, getting rid of things and trying to get more organized.  It feels so good.
Isaac was able to rent a cello from the school- that saves us over $200.  Yea!
Then Adaline decided not to try out for the BYU childrens dance program.  I haven't said a thing to her because I want to support the things that she is interested in, but I was beginning to see a major conflict either with Family Home Evening or Young Womens and dance practice times.  Not to mention that I would be out of the house for an additional 40 mins twice a week.  I hate that.  I try so hard to minimize my time away from home.  I really feel like it is so important for a mom or dad to be at home.  That is a really hard thing for me.  I want to give my kids every opportunity but I have to remind myself that kids need a mom at home.  There are so many temptations and trouble to get into.  I have a strong testimony that Satan is trying to destroy myself, my kids and my family.  I have to fight for my family every day.  The most important thing I will give them is a strong testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  When my kids are home alone it's not the best environment.  There is a special spirit that a mom brings into the home.  I remember feeling it when I was little.  I want my kids to have me there.  If there is a need I want to be there.  I hate getting calls on my cell phone from my kids when I'm out running around and there is an issue and I'm not there to deal with it personally.  Sometimes it's Lord of the Flies Harkness Style.  If I'm there I never let it get that far.  I keep tabs on what everyone is doing, what they should be doing, what I can do to help, and dry tears.  My sister in law Marilyn is a wonderful example of simplifying life.   She really has family and church at the center of her life.  I look up to her as someone to follow.  Man, I find it really hard not to sign everybody up for everything.  I need to constantly remind myself of good, better, best.

Our first letter from James

Today we got our first letter from James.  I couldn't believe it!  I kept checking my email for his first letter.  Never in my wildest dreams did I think it would come snail mail.  The little kids and I always check the mail on the way home from school.  They have to take turns because it is such a fun job ;).  Today was Jacobs day so he handed me a bunch of mail.  I thumbed through it as he was pulling out the last of it.  And there it was.  I recognized the handwriting, but thought it couldn't be.  It's supposed to come on the computer.  The kids got so excited.  Eleanor has especially missed James.  She asks about him and bemoans how long it is going to be before she sees him again.  The letter was great.  2 and a half pages but still too short.  I would love to have asked him a million more questions.  It sounds like the language is hard and that his companion is a different soul than James but over all it's going well.  Honestly it's hard to say- he wrote the letter the second day in the MTC it was all very new.  I can't wait to hear from him on Thursday!!!

Our door is ready with the map of his mission for James' letters and pictures.

Homecoming 2014

Saturday was Homecoming for our High school.  Matthew asked a girl who's mother and I are dear friends.  I was so excited for him to date someone I knew well.  Most of the group were kids in our neighborhood.  The boys all showed up at our house at 4:15 on the dot.  Some it was their first date.  They weren't scheduled to pick up their dates until 4:30 so they hung around for a while.  There was pacing, heavy scent of cologne, and nervous laughter.  Then they left.  I had offered to make dinner for the group.  So at this point I was starting to kick into high gear.  Serving 12 kids a 5 course meal is complete insanity for about 45 mins.  Gordon and Adaline helped so much.  We took the kitchen table out on the porch and set it up out side.  That was really fun.  Bridie and Eleanor decided they didn't want to serve the food.  But I needed them to serve so I told them they could invited their friends over to help.   That was just the encouragement they needed.  Jacob and his buddy also hung out (and got in the way).  I told Matthew to text me when they were done with pictures so I would know I had 10 mins.  I didn't get the text and they drove up and I wasn't ready.  It all worked out but it was crazy.  We served appetizers, salad, soup, pasta, and dessert.  Poor Eleanor dropped her plate of appetizers.  She was so embarrassed that she didn't want to serve the rest of the night.  Bridie and Sophie and Eliza were all to ready to step it up.  Then another group came and joined and the kids went downstairs to play foseball and hang out.  There were so many dishes.  The second dishwasher is a life saver.  We got everything cleaned up and put away and I rested.  I knew there was no way I was staying up until Matthew came home so I went to bed.  He woke me up when he came to check in.  I remember asking him some questions (I have no idea what they were now) and going back to bed.  He says he had a good time and I have gotten texts from the mothers telling me how much their child enjoyed the meal so that makes me happy.  I love to serve people food in my home.  It is a spiritual experience to break bread with someone.  I don't think I'll do a meal for every one of Matthew's dances but I really enjoy it when I do.  

The ask

Dessert.  The only course I was able to take a picture of.

The after math.  Not too bad.

Some of the group.

The servers.  They were so cute!

Funny how crazy life gets

Last night was a crazy night.  I didn't even see Gordon until 8:30 last night.  We tag teamed all evening.  Issac is playing fall lacrosse.  The local team didn't have enough players so we are taking him to Provo to play.  40 minutes of my day tuesday and thursdays for the next 6 weeks or so.  Jacob has started soccer and luckily it's local, but sometimes it overlaps with his piano lessons.  So that will be interesting.  His first game was last night and he played goalie.  He was so thrilled he stopped a goal.  Adaline is no longer dancing at the same studio and wanted to dance for BYU's children's creative dance program.  Try outs are next week but Gordon says if it interferes with Young women she can't do it.  I totally agree.  Sometimes I put scouts/ young men/ young women at the bottom of the priority list but it's nice to have a spouse that reminds me that the church is the center of our life and everything else is extra.  All is not lost however because Adaline has become so limited in other things because dance was becoming so much.  She'll get it figured out.  I am so grateful for all the wonderful opportunities that are available.

I'm a missionary mom

Yesterday right as we were driving up the street after dropping James off at the MTC we saw 2 missionaries at our door.  At first I wondered if they sent them to families who's sons had just gone to the MTC, but not so.  What a great experience!  It was a tender mercy to see through these missionaries what my son will be doing for the next 2 years.  Then we got home and Bridie said that she missed James so she and I sent him an email.  At dinner Gordon says that he had written James.  Adaline, Isaac, Me, Matthew, and Bridie all wrote James independent of each other.  My family pretty much rocks!
Today I went to shirley's rolls and got cinnamon rolls to drop off to James along with some Korean stuff (flag, tie pin, etc.).  It's so exciting!!!  I do find that I check my emily every day hopping that that day is his P-day.  I can't wait to find out when it is and to hear all about his new adventures.
I have to thank my friends.  I got 5 text messages yesterday just letting me know that they were thinking of me.  What a blessing it is to have people like that in my life!

I'm Happy??? Wow, I didn't expect that!

Today we dropped James off at the Missionary Training Center (MTC) in Provo.  I picked up all the kids from school while James finished packing.  We picked up Gordon at his office and headed over to the temple.  That temple is very important to our family.  It is where Gordon and I were married for time and all eternity and where James received his endowments.  Now we have one more significant family event that happened there- we picnicked on the grounds before dropping James off for his mission.  My mom and Eliza stopped by to drop off some of James' mission pants my mom had hemmed up because 'Grandma does it better than I do'.  We had lunch, took pictures and then pilled in the car and drove past the guards at the MTC.  It was so exciting- no one cried.  I couldn't believe it.  We were all so happy for James.  I was overcome with pride, joy, and gratitude.  I had thought it would be a death, instead it was a birth.  A birth of my son.  He is entering his transformation to manhood.  And I am so excited for him.  And I am also excited for me- I have a missionary in my family!!!!  I have a child out preaching the truths of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.  I am so honored.  It was as if the hosts of heaven were rejoicing at his decision to go to Korea.  He will teach people that will accept the gospel and it will not only affect them but countless generations.  I am so excited for those people.  The gospel brings so much joy to my life.  How could I not help share the message by sending my son?  I wanted to shout out the windows as we drove away "Hurrah for Israel!"  Look at the smile on the last picture-  what a smile!!!

James becomes a missionary

Tonight James was set apart by our Stake President as a missionary for our church.  Gordon's parents came to the setting apart.  It was very nice the Stake President started out by asking anyone if they had any feelings to share with James.  My emotions were so tender I couldn't/didn't want to speak.  Gordon gave some good advice.  Then he was set apart.  The stake president gave him a blessing that promised him good health and safety.  It was a really nice blessing.  Then we brought home my son, the missionary.  So cool!

Having dinner as a family for the last time- for 4 years at least.

Eliza come for his last day.  It was so fun to have her here.

Gordon, James, and Gordon after James was set apart.