Missin' Them

Dear Boys-

Mama misses your mugs! You had a super fun weekend with Pops and Nana, two big sleepovers, and lots of lovin' - I'm sure of it. You love to be there with them. I am so thankful that you get to make memories with Pops and Nana. They love you!

Mama worked all weekend, but when I didn't all I did was think about you! I went to the gym, went grocery shopping, and cleaned the carpets. But, mostly I thought about you guys. I sure miss you when you aren't home. And, Gus REALLY misses you. He still sleeps on your beds. Mine just isn't good enough for him.

You'll be home today. I can't wait to see those mugs of yours and squeeze those cheeks! I'll do that until the end of time, FYI. I can't wait to hear about your adventures and the scary movies you watched with Pops. I can't wait to hear what yummy food Nana made for you. She really is the best. Mostly, I just can't wait for all of the stinkiness, chaos, loudness, and laughter that will be back in our home today.

I'll love you forever. I'll love you for always.

Welcome Back, Ray!

I have been off the hook for a few days. By that I mean that I have been like a phone, dangling by a cord with that beep beep beep beep sound. Yesterday when I got off work, the boys and I drove down to Nana and Pops house. I needed my mama. I needed to have my mama love on me. I also needed a blessing from Pops. And, it was the most beautiful blessing I have ever had. It was word for word what I have been praying for. It was beautiful. I felt better when I left to go home.

Last week consisted of Colton getting a black eye and then lying to me about how he got it. It consisted of Jackson flooding the kitchen because he put hand soap in the dishwasher. It consisted for two days at the gang conference, which is always emotionally draining. It consisted of a lot of work. It consisted of days when I just didn't want to fight anymore.

It also consisted of trips to the gym. It consisted of hugs and loves from the boys. It consisted of making dinner for my boys. It consisted of coloring, movies, and smoothies from Kneaders. It consisted of blessings. Weeks always consist of blessings.

It's an Honor

Last night, family came together for Kaydon's ordination to the office of a Teacher in the Aaronic Priesthood. Kaydon had asked that my grandpa perform the ordination. Last night was the night that seemed to work. Grandma and Grandpa drove up from California and we all met at our chapel last night.

In the circle stood Grandpa, Papa, Pops, Uncle Brandon, Bishop Krum, Don Mendenhall (a previous YM advisor), and Jackson. In the surrounding chairs sat Nana, Grandma, Grandma Nef, Aunt Carrie, Mommy Martha, Baby Brooklyn, Braxton, Colton, and me. It was a beautiful ordination and blessing. To see my Jackson standing in that circle with his hand on his brother's head was priceless.

After the ordination, our sweet bishop said a few words. My grandpa spoke to Kaydon directly. Brother Mendenhall said some things that were beautiful. Then, Bishop asked me to speak. Through tears, I simply said, "I am honored to be their mom." "I am honored to be their mama. Boys, you are to live up to the Priesthood that you hold. You are to honor it. You have not had good examples in our home, but as you look around this room, you can see that you have all of the examples that you need. We need the Priesthood in our home and each of you holds it. Your mama needs the Priesthood, so you are to live it and honor it."

Look at these boys. Look at them. I am oh, so good.

My Boys - Time with Nana and Pops

My boys got to spend more time with Nana and Pops this weekend while Mama worked all weekend. They got to watch conference and play games with Pops. They also got to eat super yummy food - because that's what you do when you're at Nana's! They came home rested and fed to the brim and happy. I came home from work Sunday night happy to have them home. Oh, how I love my boys. I am so grateful that my boys are loved so much!!

Grand Breakfast

This morning, Nana and Pops drove up from Sandy to have breakfast with Colton. They celebrated grandparents. I was so, unbelievably grateful to know that my Colton was not alone on this morning. He was with two people who love him so, very much.

I have always had so much gratitude for my family, who has always loved my children with every ounce of their soul. My children know it, too. They know they are loved. They know they are cared for.