November....and 1/2 of December

Oh my stars, I have a lot of catching up to do. How is that all of November passed and I did not mange to post nor did I manage to capture Halloween.  Actually Halloween was not very eventful, Jake had the flu, Will went trick or treating with his friend, Walker Orris, and Christoper went with his friend Jonah Donald. Christopher did finally get to dress up like a black widow...he spend hours making his costume and was beyond excited. Jake flew to Abilene in November for a weekend with his brothers and had a nice time. 

Thanksgiving was my first big holiday without all my kids. We spent it in Knoxville with my side of the family at Charity's house.  It was actually overall delightful. Wednesday we took the kids to Dollywood and spent the day. I was very fortunate that my brothers took Aubree in for Thanksgiving, although I did miss her fiercely.

 

 I try to have the family each send Sunday selfies but it is not always welcomed nor reciprocated but the boys and I take one each week to send.  Rebekah and Adam also blessed baby Paul at the beginning of December before his parents left. Jake and I also managed to sneak away for a show at the Orpheum one evening.

However, today my heart is full, all four of my babies are under the same roof tonight. Aubree flew in this afternoon and almost immediately when we got home, piano music and song filled our home again. My girls laughed together and the boys played well together. I think I can safely say this is one of my best birthdays, all because my little family is together...I could not ask for anything more.  My parents drove up to bring a cow to be slaughtered and spent the day with us.

 We opened matching pajamas tonight and everyone even obliged taking a picture with me.....

Time flies. Jake is gone more frequently with bishoping right now. Part of it is tithing deceleration was able to start a month earlier. I just try to be supportive. It does get lonely sometimes and is hard for me when I can tell things are weighing in him and we can’t discuss. With that said, I try not to ask questions and just let him hold me in his arms when he gets home from those hard days. I am learning that it is a calling no one understands until they’re in it and will forever be kind to bishops and their families. 

Ginny was able to come home for a couple days over fall break. It was good to be with her. How I miss my girls. Jake told me a couple night ago that no one told him how hard it would be when his girls left. He expressed how he missed the smiles, laughter, and music in her home. Me too, me too. I no am trying to focus inward on my boys (and girls when they let me) since much of Jake’s focus needs to be outward now. We balance each other well. 

Florida, Utes, Birthday, and a wreck

  Jake and I took the day off work on Friday 9/2 to drive to Florida for the Utah game and Ginny was meeting us there to get her new car, so we got to bed late and were excited for the fun the next day help. However,  Saturday, September 3 @ 4:27am (which would have been 2:27 am Utah time), the phone rang....you know when a call comes in the middle of the night, it is most likely not good news.  Rolling over to see the phone, you see it is your 17 year old daughter and fear strikes.  Aubree had been in an accident but is okay. From the best we can tell, she fell asleep at the wheel driving back from an out door concert.  I did not go back to sleep for couple hours after the accident to make sure she was sage back in her dorm.  Immediately after we hung a minute for the ambulance to check her out, I said a prayer of gratitude to our Father in Heaven that her injuries were minor. I was already a little bummed that we would not be with her on her 18th but adding a car accident the night before her birthday added to the stress.  Thank goodness for modern technology and the ability to see one another and that I was able to send medications, bandages, and food the same day via Wal-Mart delivery.  

It is so difficult for me to not be there and one of my greatest fears happened in less than a week that I left my baby there.  My worst fear is one of my babies being taken (kid-napped) but something happening to them when I am so far way is another.  Although, I know we have been blessed, I am emotionally tired.  I worry, as I am certain most parents do. We are beyond thankful it is not as bad as it could have been and our daughter is okay. 

 

Happy Birthday Aubree

 

How’s it possible that Jake and I have two children the world can classify as adults? Happy 18th birthday to our Aubree. She’s the epitome of beauty, kindness, and the desire to do right. Aubree spreads happiness wherever she goes and makes our family better. We are so happy you are safe.

She seems to like the evening of milestones birthdays up be big.we were at Utah football games the eve before her birth and the eve of her 18th. Aubree- continue to go big and be you. We love you! 

 

You currently want to be when you grow up: A pediatric nurse

Your favorite color is: Sage green

Your favorite show is: Parks and Recreation 

Your favorite game is: Pickleball & Volleyball 

Your favorite toy or activity is: Hiking

Your favorite boy is: Jesus Christ 

You are really good at: -

Your best friend is: Jesus Christ

You want to vacation to: Ireland 

Your favorite ice cream is: Aggie Birthday Cake, obviously 

Your wish is to be: like Jesus

Your hero is: Jesus Christ 

Your favorite thing to do with your friends is: Play sports & paint 

Your favorite holiday is: Christmas & Halloween 

Your favorite person in the whole world is: Jesus Christ

Your favorite song(s) is: A poor wayfaring man of grief & follow me (John Denver) 

Your favorite restaurant is: Gus’s

Your favorite foods are: Pork burritos, grilled chicken 

If you had $1000 you would buy: my school books lo