Kaydon's Sandy Adventures

Kaydon is in Sandy for a week, or so.

He and Pops LOVE hiking and going on adventures.

This was their Monday hike.

I'll just enjoy the pictures, thanks!

Jacks and Pops

Jackson spent some time with Pops yesterday.

They were going to work on a mask.

But they went on a seven mile hike instead.

My kids are so blessed to have a papa and a pops.

They love them both.

My boys always request to spend one-on-one time with their pops.

He usually has Mondays off, which makes it a little easier for them to have that one-on-one time with him.

When Pops married Mom, he didn't have any kids... or grandkids (obviously).

Suddenly, he had a daughter, two sons, a son-in-law and a daughter-in-law.

He also now has six grandkids.

All boys.

Of course!

He is the greatest pops!

He has gotten to know the kids individually and makes sure to spend time with them talking and laughing and just engaging with them.

Jackson will be leaving in just a few weeks.

I think everyone is trying to squeeze in time with him before he's gone.

Mama included.

Move Night

Pops does a movie night every so often.

Scary movies.

Movies that I would never, ever want to see.

So, the boys (minus Braxton who was working) drove down to Nana and Pops' to watch the scary movie that I would never, ever want to see.

They loved it.

I wouldn't have loved it.

The end.

Temple Day

Saturday morning, Jackson and Kaydon met Nana and Pops at the Bountiful Temple. Pops had 40 family names for them to do. They got through 28.

For the first time, Jackson was able to perform all of the baptisms. He described it as very emotional and something that he wishes he could do every single day.

They told me of a long wait, not knowing why it was so long. They told me that the lady at the desk stood to tell them that the wait was due to a father, dying from cancer. His son had just turned 12. The father wanted to participate in baptisms for the dead with his worthy son before he passed through the veil. Jackson asked that they take as long as needed. Jackson said it was very emotional to hear her tell them of something so sacred and so important between a dying father and his 12 year old son.

Jackson is ready. He is ready to be a worthy and honorable Melchezidek Priesthood holder. He is ready to serve a full-time mission to wherever he is called. He is ready.

Kaydon is beyond excited to be ready. He is following in his brother's footsteps and is the greatest example to our family of worthiness, consistency and honoring the Priesthood which he holds.

I Needed It

I took Friday off. I needed it. I needed to clean my house, open the windows for fresh air, read the books my counselor recommended, and workout at my own pace. It turns out, Carrie needed some help with the babies and I needed them. I checked Kaydon and Colton out of school after lunch and we went to the babies. We loved on them. We went to Farmington Station again and watched the fountains. We walked around, got a Fiiz, and then headed back to put the babes down for naps. Their mama was home by then. I can't express in words how much I love those babies. And, those babies love their cousins so much. So much.

Saturday, I worked out and ran errands. Then, I watched as my boys left to go to the Lantern Festival. I was home. Alone. Usually, I love that. Saturday, it was tough. I cried... and let myself cry. Then, for the 20th time that day, got on my knees and pleaded for peace, comfort and contentment. I pleaded to have faith in my Heavenly Father's will for me. I watched the morning and afternoon session of conference, then made blankets for Ogden Regional's NICU. I got myself a shake and went to bed. Meanwhile, the boys sent P a message to heaven.

Sunday, we went to my mom and pop's house. The boys ate. A lot. We watched conference and just talked. I told my mom and pops about counseling. Then, Pops gave me a gift.

I love him so much. He is constantly telling me that I am enough, giving me pointers on how to stay strong emotionally and spiritually, and telling me that I'm loved. He listens so well. He has ADHD and sometimes I wonder if I am more than he can handle. But, when he is in "dad" mode or "grandpa" mode, he is completely focused on us and is able to really hear us and then listen to the Spirit and tell us just what we need to hear. And, he loves my mom more than anything in the world.

I needed that.

Nana Update

Nana had her second round, of three, of chemo yesterday. She is so amazing! Her bone pain and neuropathy have been rough, but she remains so courageous and so happy despite the challenges that are monumental! She is so eager to go back to work soon. May 1st is the goal date for her to go back to her job.

Pops continues to be such an amazing partner to Nana. He is so good to her. He always makes sure she is comfortable and laughing. Any chance he gets, he makes sure she is laughing. He continues to go and teach Nursery every Sunday, while she rests. She hasn't missed any of her appointments and just takes such good care of her!

We love her so much!! We are so proud of her!!