Saying good-bye to Tyler

I feel a mixture of emotions saying goodbye to my Tyler.  It is the most rewarding thing in the world to see my children grow up and become responsible adults and yet, it is the scariest thing in the world sometimes. I use to think that once my kids were no longer teenagers that I wouldn't worry about them anymore. I thought life would magically be easier and the worrying would suddenly go away.  Now I realize that once you are a mother, the worrying never stops. I am so proud of my Tyler for his willingness to serve his country.  It is a brave man that can sign his life over to the United States Government, especially in times such as this. I am excited that Ty will have the opportunity to travel and see the world. I know he will meet amazing people that will change his life forever. He will grow and change for the better and he will take what he has learned from us and add to it. We have had a great time having Ty home the past few weeks.  The time went by fast and we were almost too busy to savor the moments and smell the roses.  Ty will be stationed in Germany for two years so we are making plans to visit him next year.  Good luck Ty! Be safe and remember who you are and always know that we love you!

Even big boys need snuggies

While Ty was packing his clothes, I noticed he had his snuggie blanket from when he was a baby.  I asked him if he was taking it to Germany with him and he said, "yes."  I told him I would keep it safe for him but he said he wanted to take it with him to sleep with.  I was surprised when Jordan said he still sleeps with his snuggie blanket too.  He went upstairs and came down with it and they both snuggled on the bean bags with them.  They will probably kill me for posting this, but I thought it was super cute.  They both think they are big grown up adults now but still deep down inside they need a little comforts of home.  It's the little things!

Ty's Going Away Party

Sunday October 24, 2010

Torri wanted to throw Tyler a "Halloween going away party" since he would be leaving the next morning.  Everyone knows that Halloween is one of our family's favorite holidays.  It is very convenient that we live in Nevada since October 31st is also our state holiday.  The kids get a FIVE day break from school next weekend and there will be Halloween parties every day this week. Torri came up with some fun ideas for the party.  Her and Bryce came over after church to decorate, cook and put everything together. It was a hauntingly good time!

She made quite the mess getting everything organized. 

The cheese had spiders in it. 

The punch had a frozen hand in it. 

Kate was right there helping Torri with everything. 

Food fit for some ghouls! 

A Marshmallow skull served on a platter. 

Halloween shaped tortillas

The cutest couple award goes to...the love birds

More food and drink

I was trying to take a picture of Torri & Bryce and Kate hopped into
the picture. 

Torri made Bryce a bargain that if he taught their primary class,
that she would help him with his homework after dinner. 

This is what Joe does best these days, usually he has a laptop on his lap

The skull took it bad! 

After dinner the kids decorated cupcakes. 

Ty helped decorate cupcakes too

I think Weston ate more licorice than he actually put on cupcakes

It's hard work decorating cupcakes

Spiders never looked so yummy.

Tyler packs up his life

Sunday October 24, 2010

We came home from church on Sunday to find this mess in my upstairs hallway.  Ty was packing up his entire life and putting it into suitcases and boxes for his move to Germany for two years.  He had no more room in the bedroom so he started stacking stuff down the hall.  Luckily by Sunday evening he was all packed up and ready to go.

Out to dinner

After family pictures on Saturday we all went out to dinner and then to see Jordan at work.  These are the only pictures I took at dinner and the kids are all acting silly.

Family Pictures

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Since Tyler missed Torri's wedding, it has been awhile since we had updated family pictures.  I talked to Nate at TNG Photography about doing a nice portrait and he suggested this location in Boulder City over looking Lake Mead.  It was windy that day and the girls were worried their hair would be blowing all over (which it was) but I think he got a few great shots.  It's a miracle after rescheduling FOUR times that we finally managed to get a day & time that worked for everyone.  Yippee!  They are done and over!

Time Out for Women

Friday October 22-23, 2010

After we arrived home from Disneyland, I spent the day at appointments on Tuesday and then I worked all day Wednesday and Thursday (13 hour shifts).  I was exhausted by Friday.  I felt like I have been running for 3 weeks straight (which I have).  I really just wanted to sleep all day and bury my head in my pillow and hide out in my dark bedroom.   My friend Cecily called a few months ago to ask if Torri and I wanted tickets for Time Out For Women.  It sounded like a great idea at the time however,  now that it was here I just felt tired and worn out and I really didn't want to go.  Torri kept calling me all day trying to give me a pep-talk to get me going.  Finally, I decided I tried to have a good attitude about it.  It did not disappoint.  We had a fabulous time both Friday night and Saturday.  We heard from John Bytheway, Dallyn Vail Bayles & Ardeth Kapp the first night.  On Saturday we heard from Brad Wilcox, Mercy River and Linda Eyre along with her daughter.  We ended up leaving early for family pictures on Saturday but I cannot say enough about how much I enjoyed going.  It was exactly what I needed.  The theme this year was all about having HOPE.  No matter how tough life gets, there is always hope.  My bucket has been dry for awhile and it was good to fill it to overflowing with the spirit and feel like I can once again have hope.

KateLyn's Fall Choir Concert

We didn't get home from Disneyland until late Monday night.  We almost forgot that Kate's choir concert was Tuesday at 6:30 pm.  Russ was working swing-shift and Weston had football.  It took some juggling but a few of us finally made it to the concert. Kate told me to sit on the left hand side.  I guess she was meaning she would be on the left side.  She was turned away from us the entire concert.  I was thankful Torri & Bryce were able to come as well as Kate's friend Khylee from across the street.

More fun & silly memories of Disneyland

Danger & Torri 

Jordyn wanted to walk through the castle so we took her
on the grand tour. 

Russ, Joe and I holding up a bench.

Torri & Bryce 

I love this picture of Rowdy in the big R from California. 

Torri found Cinderella

The love birds kept kissing all day...geesh!  There are kids around. 

Weston needed some 10 year old boy attention

Wyatt was the only one patient enough to give him some.

Maddie kept hitting Jordyn and everyone in line
so I made them pose for a picture. 

Torri holding Rowdy 

Cameron is just the cutest little thing ever! 

We found Mickey but he was signing autographs

The guys found Cinderella

Torri found Woody and wanted a picture

Just try to keep toddlers busy while waiting for the big
kids to get off the rides. 

Even Danger didn't like hanging out too much in the stroller

Cameron's Buzz balloon flew away and he said
"Buzz really can fly."  

Jordyn, April, Cameron & Maddie

Danger loves to eat!  I have never seen a baby drink so much milk.
He must be trying to catch-up to his brother already. 

Rowdy with his Buzz balloon

Wyatt and Rowdy found a friend

Rowdy loves pushing the stroller but can't see over it and runs into people. 

Ty pushing baby Joe in the stroller...who's kids are these? 

We found our favorite eating place for dinner. 

Maddie and Torri were buddies and rode most rides together. 

Now it's Ty's turn to ride in the stroller...geesh! 

Posing for pictures at Playhouse Disney

What a cute gang! 

Tyler teasing Kate and decided to wear her sweat shirt. 

One of my favorite pictures of the guys trying to pull out the sword in the stone.