Me and my boys

 Each Sunday around Cinco de' Mayo, I wear my dress from Mexico.  The boys and I snapped a few pictures after church and on the way home from church. I am blessed with four children to help me grow and improve. 

 

25 years and counting

Here’s to 25 years of my home, safety place, and happiness. I’d choose Jake over and over again. I am a better person with him in my life. Excited for eternity with him. 

We do not have many photos from our wedding day because the photographer got sick but I am thankful for the ones I do have.  I was able to make these look a little better and snapped a picture of my bridal.  Regardless, it was one of the best days of my life marrying the man that makes me better and is kind to all.  

 

 

End of April recap (1/2 nurse, out of the house, & temple time)

 Aubree has officially finished her first year of nursing school at UTHSC.  Although I know she misses Utah, I think she is glad that she is here for school and it getting a good education. I know we are glad she is here. I always enjoy seeing her on campus and occasional lunches. 

Ginny went to New York and ran a 1/2 marathon.  Between she and Aubree running, Christopher has been trying to run more often and go to the gym with Aubree when he can. 

Will has had a rough week or so and we are having him sleep in the shed (as of 4/23). It is kinda our version of kicked out but we are providing everything still except the comfort of his room.  We ordered things to go around the door to prevent mosquitoes from coming in and on stormy days/nights, we are letting him in the room. On 5/1, he decided he was not staying at our house and had his friend pick him up....the while situation breaks my heart.   I have shed many tears and cry almost daily thinking about it but we do not know what else to do to best help him.  It makes me so sad the struggles he has because he really is a good kid.  This past weekend we did two sessions on Saturday at the temple. Will was heavily on my mind throughout both.  The first session, I was so sad but the second was joyous and I felt that God was telling me not to give up.  During the session, the talk came to my mind multiple times that He is in relentless pursuit of his children always, so we must also be in relentless pursuit of our boy. I am hoping that he is soon able to begin his mission papers. Yes, he needs to work on honesty and I imagine it puts Jake in a hard spot because he has has first hand knowledge of things and for others, he just opens the portals. I hope he is able to go. I am trying very hard to trust God and to trust Jake. I struggle a lot with his medication and the role it may play in receiving a call. 

Now for the second temple session- our Ginny went through for her endowment on 5/2.  It was a beautiful afternoon. It was wonderful to be sitting in the session with my daughter's on each side of me. Both are beautiful in white. Happy heavenly birthday Papaw from below. 

Beginnings of April recap...

We are feeling the end of the academic year approaching as life seems so busy but in a good way. Jake did a remarkable job with Sister Floyd's funeral service, which was held on Good Friday. How fitting is that! We had a ward dinner that evening as well to help put more focus on the Savior's resurrection and the importance of it.  It was a very busy day for the both of us but fulfilling.  It was also general conference weekend and there was a solemn assembly. I was showing houses that day but participated in my car.  I was a little taken that it felt sacred still as I was driving, although I could not stand, when it was time for women to raise our hands, I for sure did.  

The following week another member passed and that memorial service is today (4/14), Jake was a little saddened because he was unable to make it, but did reach out to the family and help plan everything. This was the first one he has not physically been there for and serves as his 15th funeral as bishop.  

This past weekend was busy, busy too.  Jake and Ginny participated in a Death by 5k, basically you run a 5k every 2.5 hours for 24 hours, so about 31 miles. Tommie (Jake's brother) and his son, Oscar drove down to participate in it as well.  I believe the running was not enjoyable but being together was. They set up tents and hung out in between runs. As for me, I ran errands most of the day, had dinner with my mom and Seth (who flew in Saturday from Idaho), and then babysat that night for Aubree so she could go hang out with her sister. 

 

I also took Will to get a senior picture on Saturday. He looked remarkably handsome and I think he enjoyed having his picture taken.  Yesterday (Monday 4/13), he went to pick up his cap and gown.  He sent me a picture of and I could not contain the tears. It is hard to believe the high school battle is almost over for him.  I look forward to seeing the young man he will become as he remembers who is and sees his potential. 

 

 

Seth also made a quick visit to bring his girlfriend to Tennessee. The day they flew back, he was able to meet Ginny for lunch since she was racing the day the rest of us had dinner (I neglected to get a photo).