Sunday, September 29, 2013

Mission Farewell

The day is finally here! Kaylea finally gets to speak in church. Kaylea has a group of friends who all decided to go on a mission, when President Monson changed the age that missionaries can go. Kaylea had a group of girl friends who all put in their papers, and by the time it was Kaylea's turn to leave, she is basically the last of her group. So when we planned this get-together after her farewell, I really didn't expect very many people to come. WOW was I wrong! I'm in shock how many people came over to the house.
 
I tried to get a picture, but it truly doesn't do it justice. You can't see half of the people in the family room. There were people outside on the picnic table, and I spread out two large blankets for people to sit on, along with the back porch steps. I have a little bench on the landing half way down the stairs to my basement. There were even people on that bench.
 
Kaylea is truly friends with everyone, and it really showed today. We had family, friends from school, parents of friends from school, leaders, coaches and their families, ward members, people Kaylea works with. Really amazing.
 
Kaylea's talk was really good. She talked about how to do things properly, you need to follow a recipe. You can't make cookies without some sort of recipe, and you can't go through life without following certain instructions from Heavenly Father, like prayer, reading scriptures, attending church, paying tithing, and just lots of little things. She talked about experiences in her own life where she tried to get by without paying tithing, or just taking the sacrament, but not going to her church meetings. Then she talked about how much better it feels to follow the instructions given, and how much better your life goes.  There were many people who were touched by her honesty, and said it was just what they needed to hear.

Had to get my Avery picture in here. She was determined not to look at the camera. Haha!

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Labor Day!

I always love getting together with my family. Steve and I invited all the kids to go with us to dinner just to celebrate a day off. I know we will soon all be going our separate ways, so we both really want to take opportunities like this to enjoy each other.  We had a lunch date at the Red Iguana in Salt Lake. The kids got to experience MOLE for the first time, the one that was ordered by most of us ended up tasting like chocolate, so I'm not sure they LOVED it, but it was still nice to get together.  We went to a movie after lunch, Jessica and Chris didn't come, the movie wasn't very age-appropriate for Avery, and we didn't really want to go see a kids movie. It's so amazing to me how my family is growing up. Jessica and Chris will probably be moving away soon, with Chris' job. Steve Jr. wants to move to his own apartment in Provo, and Kaylea will be leaving in about a month on her mission. The only person missing from this picture was Conner.
 
 
 I ended up getting this picture texted to me from Kim, Conner started school the day after Labor Day. He is living with Thad and Kim for the school year in Bedford Mass. It's hard having him gone, but then I see pictures like this and hear him talk, and he sounds so happy. I truly want the best for that kid. I love him so much. I do wish he was here, but want more for him to just be happy and close to the Lord.
 
 
I guess summer is officially over.