Troy's Mission Call- ALBANIA Tirana

Excitement at our house tonight! Troy had put in his mission papers about 3 weeks ago, and we were waiting with anticipation for his call to come. Well, today was the big day and he shared his mission call letter with the fam tonight! He read he would be serving in the Albania Tirana mission and will report on Oct. 22 to the Provo MTC. Wow, fast! At first, I didn't even know where Albania was!!! So, we quickly checked out the map and found it above Greece, next to Kosovo, across the Adriatic Sea from the boot of Italy. Who knew!!! He will be learning the Albanian language, which will surely be tough, and may even need to be in the MTC 3 months. But, he can handle it, and it's about time he gave that smart brain of his a work out!!

Well, Troy's older brother, Matt, was a great example of sacrificing 2 years of his life for the Lord, by going to Michigan. And now, Troy will follow along in the same path. When he was getting ready to open his letter tonight, it just really hit me, how willing and faithful our youth are that choose to give up 2 years of their life, to go someplace remote like Albania or somewhere in another corner of the USA. What a gift for them and for those they teach. Well, now I know what we'll be doing for the next 5 weeks! Busy-Busy!!

Sadie and Ruby at Sea World

Summer is a great time. To quote Ruby----"I just love this time of year!" We have had fun spending time with family, enjoying our pool, helping Troy get his mission papers in (We'll post that news when it comes!). There have been trips to Colorado Springs, trips to Gilbert, and a stop over in Prescott. We're getting ready for the up coming fall "pluthera" of activities. My schools are in great demand for my services, football becomes a highlight, olympics, and we are having a beach reunion with the kids. So many activities-so little time.

Randy and Ruby Stomping Grapes

Summer Summer Summer!!!

No Frills, No Pics, Just Extended Editions!

I woke up this morning thinking about how lucky I am to have such a wonderful extended family. My children, my grand children, and Randy and I find most of our joy in our lives from sharing it with them, their personalities, and the things we do together. This is not an attempt to talk about them all, but I have had the joy's of thinking about some of them this morning and I am thankful for:

• A fun sister and her sweet husband (Alyson and Jeff), who went out of their way to include, create, and MAKE SURE we had a fun time on our vacation to Arkansas. They always want us to have a good time, and I have noticed that it is sharing that fun, that makes it fun for all of us!!
• A Mom and Dad and a Mother-in-Law and Father-in-Law who have instilled in us the joy of our heart swelling on July 4th because we love our country.
• The simple enjoyment of my in-laws to drive through Oregon and share in their heritage and home.
• A Mom and Dad who open their home all summer long to the comings and goings of close, distant, and virtually unknown relatives!
• Brothers on both sides, who laugh and share their great sense of humors with us.
• A sister in law, Jennifer, that has endured tough cancer treatments this year, and is emerging stronger and more beautiful than ever. (And the tender side of her jock husband, Kirk)

I realize many people don't have much extended family. Wow, was I blessed to have more than anyone could ask for. I love them all, and as the years go by, I'm sure all of them will end up on my blog at some point or another. Cousins, Aunts, Uncles,-wow-I am lucky!

Beach, Arkansas, Fun, Uncles, Water-How do These Words Go Together??

It's mid July and summer is going, going almost gone!!! I wish I wanted or was willing to share the great beach and lake vacation shots of me in my bathing suit- but, alas, you may never return to my blog with that shock!! So, instead, enjoy the smiles and joy that come with summer photo shoots!

5 Great Things About Ruby's, Sadie's, and Kate's Uncles-

1. Willing to lug all stuff to beach and look for sea shells- all day!

2. Will throw you up into pool over and over and over and over and over and over.........

3. Loves you no matter how many times you won't answer "Whose your favorite uncle?"

4. Very handsome- and if the girls could see you "hang out" with your nieces, their hearts would melt.

5. They laugh and think no matter what the 4, 4, and 2 year old say is amazing!

Ruby, Sadie, Troy, Sally, and Mom -at the beach---SHELLS!

Matt- Keeping the girls happy with entertainment!

Arkansas-Who knew??? It is a great place to visit, wake board, boat, go to funny parades, and just HANG OUT!!! We had a great July 4th-

Shooting illegal fireworks through the tall trees-a "boys" dream come true

Seeing the "Jesus of the Ozarks" statue loom above the trees

Armadilla's

Deer

Spectacular wipe outs by Amy and Troy on the Wakeboad (you may see them in a wakeboarding magazine, soon!

Lightning Bugs

Thunderstorms and Lightning-Awesome!

Mullets

But, I missed the rest of the gang-another trip to the state someday!!

Expectations of Mother's Day Change!!

What a great group photo op!!


Cousins at Mark's Wedding dinner- they are all grown up (kind of!) and
still causing the family papparrazi to go "crazy".

As a young mother, my Mother's Day expectations consisted of getting to sleep in, breakfast in bed, not making dinner, and definately NOT doing the dishes. Quite often, those expectations weren't able to be met. How life changes------- NOW my expectations are just one simple amazing request----------TO BE WITH MY FAMILY! How lucky I was this year, to be with,
my father and mother, Amy, Kate, Sally, Dave, Tara, Ruby, Sadie, and Troy. I missed Matt and Randy and his boys, Miles and Troy H.-so, next year, I will have to HOPE that everyone can be there. WOW am I lucky!

Cute grand daughters- Sadie, Kate, Ruby!

I am so lucky to share Mother's Day with them!

A smile is all I need to make my day!

Sally and I at the wedding. My jacket disappeared
at the reception- I must have amazing taste!

The flowers at Temple Square - I wish I
had their gardners! (Oh yeah, I do-RANDY!)

There are NO words to describe a TROY sandwich!