It's OK Mom, I like it...

Kamden found some mouth wash yesterday and asked me if he could swish it in his mouth.  I told him that it was really hot, and he probably wouldn't like it.  He insisted by saying, "It's OK mom, I like hot things".  Okee Dokee then - if he insists.  So I explain to him that he cannot swallow it, and when he's done swishing, he spits it out.  So he got his mouth full, swished for about 2 seconds and spit.  I asked him if it was too hot, and he said, (while wiping his eyes).  "It's OK mom, I like wiping tears from my eyes."

Oh funny funny boy!  What would I do without him to keep me giggling (under my breath of course, because he would be mad if he thought I was laughing AT him).

Another year Older

Ira has a patient that is a hobby photographer (sound familiar?) who asked if she could take our family pictures.  SURE!  Especially since it's Ira who set it up, he HAD to come and participate without any mumbles and grumbles.  The kids still mumbled, but not him :)  They all get kind of fed...shall we say, impatient... with my picture taking craze ALL the time.  I just tell them that someday they will be grateful.

Anyways, back to this lady taking our pictures.  It was so kind of her to offer, and to take time to be with our family.  These are the results....

I liked those OK, but none well enough to hang on my wall.  So I attempted round two.  This time, I did get grumbles cuz "we already had our pictures taken!".  I know, I know.  But if you want a happy mom/wife - then bear with me on this one.  

Well, my camera settings were off.  They looked great through the view finder, but when you look up close, they are the wrong exposure and grainy.  Oh, and the snowy background was oh so beautiful!  It was a sad moment for me when I pulled these grainy pictures up on my computer.

SO...haven't tried round #3 yet.  I kinda don't dare for fear of down right rebellion on the part of my family! ha ha  But one of these beautiful, snowy Saturday mornings - I will surprise them all with another trip up the canyon :)

These pictures I took.  I couldn't get the sun to cooperate with me (wrong time of day) - but it's OK.  It was still lots of fun to have photo shoots with my kids.

I couldn't get enough of Emilie.  She is really photogenic, and loves being in front of the camera.  

The boys aren't quite so energetic about having a million pictures taken.  So theirs turned out OK, but nothing too fantastic.

I love these kids so much.  I sometimes look at them and just can't believe that they are my babies.  And other times I feel completely overwhelmed that we have been trusted by Heavenly Father to watch out for them and teach them of Him.
 I wish time would just freeze right where it's at, because I love each stage that our kids are in.  I try not to think too much of the future, because before too long our family will change forever.  I won't have all my babies under my roof anymore.  Brayden will be all grown up and leaving on his mission, then to college and then a family of his own.  I just can't believe how fast time flies that he is already that old.  *sigh*....

Ready or Not...Here they go.

I think I'd have to answer the "Ready or not question" as NOT READY!!!  But at the same time, so excited for their adventures and so thankful for the example they are to us.  Even when it's a really great cause, it's just hard to say goodbye to people you love.  

Back in August, my parents received their second mission call.  This time to....(drum roll please)....the Philippines Angeles Mission.  ANOTHER island!  Dad said, "Well, I guess we're going back to fish and rice."  I've learned quite a few things about my dad with these mission experiences - he doesn't like change very well.  Last time he had such a hard time leaving home.  Then when he finally got comfortable on the island, he didn't want to leave the islands.  Now if he could go anywhere in the world on this mission - it would be back to the same island he was on the first time.  

But with this new mission, I'm sure that once he gets established, he will love it just as much as the first one.  Mom however, once her mind is made up that this is what they are to do - then there's no looking back for her.  She just pushes on with a steady force.  So they are a good match for each other.

I am so proud of them.  This decision has come harder for them then their first mission.  They had already served once, and know that if they ended there that they have accomplished many wonderful things.  However, the spirit just kept nudging them to serve again.  This time around they knew what they were getting themselves into with leaving family and having home sickness- and it made it that much more difficult to leave.  And it made it that much more difficult for me to have them leave.  I don't like when they are gone.  I'm kinda a mommy and daddys girl.  Yet after their first mission was over, and they were back home with us - I was so grateful for their experiences and the testimonies they came home with to share with us.  I can't imagine them having that opportunity to go serve again, and we not be supportive of it just because we think we can't handle them being gone.

So mom and dad - I hope and pray you have another wonderful 18 months.  I think the more you love someone, the harder it is to say goodbye.  So I suppose in that light, it's a good thing that it's so hard to say goodbye.  It is hard to see you go, but 1000 times 1000 worth it eternally to have you serve the Lord and share the gospel.

Thank you...thank you...thank you!

Love you both so much, and God be with you till we meet again!

Family came to see the envelope being opened, while others were being skyped to see the moment.

I went to their house to pick them up to take them to the airport.  This is what I found - dad out in the yard, in his work clothes, with the tractor just a few minutes before it's time to go.  That's my daddy!

I refused to take goodbye pictures this time.  Last times goodbye pictures STILL make me cry!  So I took a picture of dad and Shawn giving knuckles before they hugged.  When the hugs started, I walk away.  I just can't witness all that again.  It's just too hard.

18 months of stuff packed into a few suitcases.  

Stopped at my sister Robins house in Kaysville, for her husband to drive them to the Airport.  They were all a bit concerned for my safety trying to drive home from the airport after saying goodbye.  I think that was a wise decision.

Thanksgiving Weekend

Since Thanksgiving is on THursday, and mom and dad were leaving to the MTC on Monday - we thought it best to not bombard their house for our Thanksgiving dinner.  See?...we kids can be thoughtful.......sometimes!  haha.

So we had dinner at our church.  We were all a bit worried if it would feel too formal, and not relaxing enough.  But it turned out really great.  It gave everyone plenty of room to play after dinner.  Then we took the party to my house afterwards to relax.  I love when we have out get-togethers with my brothers and sisters and parents.  We all get along so well and have a great time together.  I'm so grateful that we can have fun together and enjoy each other without any contention.  I sure missed my family who couldn't be there.

These pictures are in random order, and I don't really care to take the time to organize it.  But you get the idea after seeing my play by play of pictures!  

Aren't they the cutest couple???? (the two below, not the two above! haha) 

 Love their smiles!  Love them!

When Thanksgiving was done, we had Christmas.  Mom and dad won't be here for Christmas, so we celebrated with them before they left.

Don't they look like Santa and Mrs. Clause with those big red bags?

I loved what they gave the grandkids for Christmas.  They each got a framed picture of a temple to put in their rooms.  What a great way to not only remember how special the temple is, but to remember their Grandparents and their testimonies as well.

They also received a book or something for backpacking (since backpacking has become our newest extended family fun).

These boys L.O.V.E Uncle Todd.  Can you see one of the reasons why?  He cares about what they are doing, and does it with them.

Having a little girl time while others are playing basketball.  I'm with my mom, sister Kelli, niece Whitney, and sister Robin

Elder (Daniel) Boehme.  He is one of my parents "missionary sons" from Kiribati.  They love this kid ane he loves them.  He joined us for part of our Thanksgiving party.  Of course, my dad has to have his handshake battle with him.  I think Boehme gave dad a run for his money!

Thank you Grandpa and Grandma...for everything!