So Long, Farewell!

My parent's departure has come. They had their farewell in May over Memorial Day Weekend, so Andrew and I could attend (our Alaskan cruise made a June Farewell impossible). I'm happy we were able to be there! Jill flew in for the event. Because it was a holiday weekend, lots of friends and family weren't able to make it. Fortunately, watching virtually was an option. Though, there were technical difficulties. They finally got zoom to work about 3 minutes into my mom's talk, and by that point we had all worked up a sweat and were stressing. 

Last J5 dinner Saturday, May 28, 2022

All of the J5's (Jeff, Jill, Joel, Jenna, and Jessica) were in town for one last time before my parents left, so we did a Brazlian dinner at Tucanos. 

Farewell Talks and Luncheon Sunday, May 29, 2022

Sunday, May 29 is my mom's birthday. I'm sure it was her dream come true to speak. The spirit was strong during both of my parent's talks. My mom said her talk was written for her thanks to her miraculous cancer experience. Jess and I performed, "I Know That My Redeemer Lives" for the musical number. She played the violin and I accompanied her on the piano. I was in charge of the food. Several of my mom's friends volunteered to help bring items in addition to family which was nice. We picked one of my dad's favorite things--cookies and one of my mom's favorite things--pizza and went with it. We purchased 10 Papa Murphy's pizzas on Saturday. We also had watermelon, fruit skewers, veggie trays, chips and dip, salad, soda, and a cookie bar. I made over 100 cookies! There was so much food! We ate leftovers all week. Jessica was in charge of the decorations and was in her element. My parent's place looked beautiful and unfortunately the pictures don't really show the full effect.  Jill had the creative idea to made a farewell book for my parents. People wrote notes on vintage Brazilian postcards to fill the book for my parents. I definitely got a workout cooking all the pizzas. I ran back and forth to the basement oven and the other 2 ovens in the kitchen many times. At one point, the fire alarm started blaring loudly. It was the perfect welcome to everyone who was just arriving.

I made these invitations and was pleased with how they turned out.

Chocolate cake--of course! It's her absolute fave. Funny story-- I bought the cake at Costco and I dropped the first one in my cart. I was very embarassed.

Making these fruit kabobs was time consuming, but they sure were beautiful and tasty! 

Only some of the pizza.

Setting Apart by President Eyring Tuesday, June 21, 2022 

Andrew and I didn't attend the setting apart in-person because I had Covid. We were grateful we could Facetime in and could hear most of what was said.      

MTC Departure Wednesday, June 22, 2022

Final Goodbye Sunday, June 26, 2022

It has been an emotional week. It was not the week I was hoping for or expecting because I was in quarantine and missed out. My mom did drop by some food from her pantry and stayed outside, far away. She said goodbye the morning they left to the MTC. She got choked up and after she left, I had a good cry. It was hard to hear my kids ask her, "Nana, where are you going?" On the phone, my grandma and I both started crying while chatting about it. 

I helped myself feel better by playing some church music on the piano. I could feel the spirit while I played which brought me peace. I know that my parents are going where they are needed and that the Lord couldn't have called a better couple. That doesn't mean that seeing them go is easy though.

My parents got out of the MTC Sunday afternoon. They were on a spiritual high after their time there and got to meet many apostles. We were able to have one final get together before their Monday morning flight. Sunday, my tears flowed on and off throughout the afternoon. I was supposed to host the last meal together, but sickness changed that, so Lindsey hosted. (Unfortunately, Jeff is out of town for work and wasn't able to be there.) Lindsey went all out and we had a spectacular meal. Due to sickness (what a week!), James and Andrew weren't able to join us. It was a big bummer and again, not what I wanted. Izzy had 4 days of a stomach bug and apparently James got it too, but to a worse degree. (Surprisingly, nobody else in our house got Covid and trust me, that wasn't due to lack of testing.) James was very emotional that he wasn't able to come with Izzy and I. Kudos to Andrew for staying home with James. I couldn't miss another event with my family this week.

The girl grandkids

Not the goodbye I envisioned, but I'm grateful Andrew was able to bring James by for a 1 minute goodbye from afar.

My Dad offered to give us Father's Blessings before he left. Wow, I will never forget the experience I had. The spirit was palpable and I cried many times throughout the blessings. My dad was very emotional (which is unlike him) and the blessings were longer than our usual father's blessings. My blessing was very personal to me. I'm not quite ready to share details on here yet, but maybe in a future date, I will be. It was such a neat experience that I will treasure forever. I can definitely tell my dad was set apart by an apostle this week and is close to the Lord. After the blessings, I felt much more at peace with the fact that my parents are leaving.  My Dad gave little Daisy a blessing (she will be 2 in September). She was exhausted after traveling during bedtime and not getting much sleep. We didn't think she would be able to sit still for even a one minute blessing. Well, she did and when the blessing ended, she asked for more! It was the sweetest thing! How could anyone say no to that? My mom then offered a prayer after that, so Daisy could have more. The prayer resulted in Daisy saying, "more" again. The spirit was there and even a 1 year old running on 7 hrs of sleep could feel it.

When I returned home and shared my experience with Andrew, I told Andrew that my dad had offered to give Andrew a blessing as well. Andrew jumped at the opportunity and rushed to my parents,so he could get a blessing too. I was able to listen in over the phone. I have never seen Andrew so emotional before. He was told that, "His dad is cheering him on from the other side of the veil." My dad got choked up as he spoke those words.  What an amazing final experience to have with my parents. In my dad's words, "I'm ready to rip the band-aid off and am sick of goodbyes." We're all cried out and ready for my parents to serve.  Although I didn't want this day to come, I am glad to put this tough goodbye behind us.

I still feel like I was robbed of my last few days with my parents (I was heartbroken to miss out on Cafe Rio Monday night and the setting apart/luncheon Tuesday), but I cherish the time I spent with them yesterday and the powerful experience I had. I'm hoping we get to see my parents in 2023! So long, farewell to my best friend and mother. Our goodbye was teary and I couldn't say much. This much I know-- my parent's call was inpsired and watching them step into this role and give their all has been an honor. 

Love this gift from my parents! Counting down the number of days until their return is quite sad, so I'm glad we're counting down the months instead which seems less daunting.

They left for the airport at 4:30am this morning.

Monthly Temple Trips

Awhile after my parents received their mission call, we decided to start going with them to the temple monthly. Why not go together since we are all going anyway? Spending quality time with my parents and sister and husband has helped ease my broken heart. Of course, food is a given when it comes to these temple trips. We've had Cubby's more than once, The Chocolate, Mi Ranchito, La Hacienda, Tonyburgers, Texas Roadhouse, and more that I'm forgetting. Give me all the food.

Temple attendance is important to me. I've noticed the blessings that come from going to the temple regularly. A few years ago, I was struggling with someone. She bugged me and I had to spend a fair amount of time around this person. I prayed and prayed to try to figure out how to be around her and see more of her good qualities. My answer was clear: go to the temple. Me:.... "but I already go to the temple!" Go more! I started going to the temple every week. I believe I was able to go 6 weeks in a row before having Izzy. It's hard to explain what happened, but the girl started bothering me less and less. In fact, I could even start to see why so many people like this person. We didn't become best friends or anything, but being around her wasn't really a burden anymore. I can attest that my heart changed because of my temple attendance.

I think part of my desire to attend the temple stems from my parents and their faithful example of attending the temple frequently throughout the years. Andrew and I recently went on a date and Isabelle asked Andrew, "Are you going to put your Oquirrh Mountain clothes on?" It was super cute and made me proud that our children notice our efforts to go to the temple.

Draper Temple (May)

We started the monthly temple trips with my parent in November 2021. We went to the temple together on November 20, 2021, December 23, 2021, January 8, 2022, February 19, 2022, March 22, 2022, April 16, 2022, May 17, 2022, and June 4, 2022. We've done a mix of sealings and endowment sessions. One time, when we were doing sealings, we were asked if we would be willing to do some of President Nelson's temple names. What an honor that was. We've gone to a variety of temples too- the Draper Temple, the Jordan River Temple, and the Oquirrh Mountain Temple. 

Some months it was surprisingly difficult to find a day/time to go together, but we always made it work. It was especially tricky to schedule temple trips after my mom's 2 surgeries and during her radiation treatment. Unfortunately, we didn't get a pic with Jess and Chris, but I promise they were with us many times! My mom has enough family names to keep us busy for eternity. I'm sad to report that we went to the temple with my parents for the last time this past weekend. A soft peanut butter cookie from Cubby's helped soften the blow.

Oquirrh Mountain Temple (June)

Last October, President Nelson emphasized temple attendance in General Conference. In his talk titled, "The Temple and Your Spiritual Foundation" he said: "The temple lies at the center of strengthening our faith and spiritual fortitude because the Savior and His doctrine are the very heart of the temple. Everything taught in the temple, through instruction and through the Spirit, increases our understanding of Jesus Christ. His essential ordinances bind us to Him through sacred priesthood covenants. Then, as we keep our covenants, He endows us with His healing, strengthening power. And oh, how we will need His power in the days ahead." I really felt the urgency to attend the temple as he spoke. I have definitely felt like I need his strengethening power in these divisive times and go to the temple more than my goal when I have the chance.

I know in July when I attend the temple, I will notice my parents absence. I also know that there is no beter place to be than in the temple. I have felt the peace within the walls of that sacred space. In 3 years when my parents return, I think they'll join us again on our temple trips and oh what a happy day that will be.

The Perfect Fit

I have been known to be a tight wad. I have eased up some with my spending habits, however I'm still cautious (hello unfinished basement. I hear you calling). Andrew has teased me because I sometimes talk as if we're "on the brink of bankruptcy" which has fortunately never been the case. 

I have the perfect example. This year, Andrew and I will celebrate 10 years of marriage. That means we've known each other for nearly 11 years. While we were dating, I had black Nike workout shoes. I vividly remember wearing them when I was in Spokane to meet Andrew's family for the first time. A family member asked, "Who's black men's shoes are those by the door?" They were mine. Guess what? I'm still using those black Nikes a decade later. The soles are worn out and the shoes have paint marks and other nicks all over them. Saying I'm in desperate need of a new pair of workout shoes is an understatement. Full disclosure, a few years ago I was given a pair of workout shoes my mom didn't want anymore, so I alternate using those and my Nikes. I didn't spend a dime on the handmedown shoes.

Regardless, my time for new shoes is long overdue. In fact, buying new workout shoes should probably be an annual thing, especially since working out is a regular part of my routine. Andrew being the thoughtful guy that he is, bought me some new kicks for Christmas and I was thrilled. After attending a fitness class, my feet felt like they were going to fall off. I immediately returned those suckers even though they were the perfect shade of pink. Since Christmas, I've pulled out my old black Nike's. For Mother's Day, Andrew gave me a gift card to purchase new shoes in hopes I'd finally find some. I've attempted and failed many times.

It's a fact that I have purchased and returned over 6 pairs of workout shoes with no success. Finding the right size has been the hardest part. The size seems to change drastically depending on the brand of shoe. The lady who works at the Amazon return desk knows and recognizes me at this point. I hope that I won't see her again anytime soon. I think I'm finally going to keep my latest workout shoes purchase. (fingers crossed.) It was validating to hear that the friend I workout with has had a similar experience to mine. She tried 8 different shoes before finding "the perfect fit" and even then, I think she settled for some that were a bit too big.

I'll know for sure tomorrow morning at 6:30am if my new shoes are going to cut it. I'll be in a High Fitness class and seeing how the shoes feel mid-burpee will be the perfect test. These shoes better work! At this point, even if they fail the burpee test, I think I'll keep them. They're cute. If you happen to see me strolling around our neighborhood (on our newly paved trail), please do me a favor and compliment my new workout shoes. I worked hard for these. 

Who knew finding workout shoes would be so complicated? I think next year it might be worth it to get my feet fitted at a running store and pay absurd amounts of money for the "perfect fit..."

Preschool Graduate

James graduated from preschool on Thursday, May 12. Graduation took place at Magnolia Grove Reception Center in South Jordan. Watching him perform was the highlight of my day/week/month. James gave his all to the performance. He couldn't stop smiling and kept looking at me for validation--a thumbs up or congratulations. A couple of times, James called out, "mom" in the middle. Once, he even ran over to me. In his defense, I think James thought graduation was over.

Initially, when it was time for the program to begin, James was nervous and didn't want to go up front with his classmates. He wouldn't let go of my hand either, but he finally did and from then on, his nerves transformed into the biggest grin you've ever seen. His cheeks must have hurt. It was the cutest preschool program. The kids knew the songs perfectly and had their parts memorized. I'll brag and point out that James said his part loudly and clearly. It was easy to understand him which wasn't the case for every line said.

Since the program, the song, "ABC Cha Cha Cha Cha" has been on repeat in my head. It's catchy and fun the first few times you hear it. At the end of the program, graduation procession music played and James got to walk down the staircase and have his name read. Each student told the audience what they want to be when they grow up. I was eager to hear what James would say. He announced, "I want to be a pilot when I grow up." I've never heard him say that before. Whatever James decides to do, he will succeed. He's a smartie.

At graduation, it was hard not to notice that James is the tallest in his class. He's definitely been going through a growth spurt. We just had to basically buy him a whole new wardrobe. I think James also might have a little crush on Paisley in his class. He came home one day and told me they got married. James has been asking me nonstop to get Paisley's phone number. I have it.  Maybe James and Paisley will be sitting in a tree K-I-S-S-I-N-G someday. They've already held hands--she is in the blue dress below.

Since Andrew only recently started his new job, we didn't want him to have to miss work right off the bat, so I recorded the whole thing. Izzy was trying to sing along with the songs and acted like she knew them. She's too cute. My parents were able to attend which made it special. I got a little choked up while there realizing that my parents will miss out on lots of these events over the next few years. (Their mission farewell is in a week!) Afterward the program, I took the kids to celebrate at Crumbl cookies. (We had a coupon.)

This year, James has attended Sunshine Square Preschool in Riverton, UT. It's under 5 minutes from our house and I've been pleased with our experience there. His teacher is Miss Debbie and she has been outstanding. Preschool has been a positive activity for James. He especially enjoys it when it's his turn to be the "special leader" and bring the snack and lead the class. There have been some field trip opportunities and going to the fire station was definitely a highlight. James started a "Clean Team" at school. He bosses people around and gets the place looking spiffy. That's my boy.

James has been attending preschool 3 days a week and it's 2 and a half hours long. Next year, James will transition to attending half-day kindergarten which is 5 days a week and 2.5 hours long. I asked James if he is sad that preschool is ending. He said, "kind of, but I'm excited to get to be home with you more." James has severe FOMO  (fear of missing out) and likes to ask for the rundown of everything we did without him while he was at school.  "You went to the store without me again!?" Only 2 more preschool days left and then James will get to spend every second with me. James has another graduation coming up-- UPSTART graduation! We sure do love our graduate.

Job-Free

Andrew unexpectedly had a week off between his old job and his new job. We toyed with the idea of going to my parent's condo in California one last time (since they just sold it) but we decided to stick around town. We had lots going on with piano lessons and preschool. I also substitute taught a couple of afternoons. We were able to spend lots of quality time together the week of April 24th.

Yardwork--Free sod and not-so-free tree stump removal!

Proof that our week wasn't just all fun and games. We worked in our yard for several days. It must be true because not 1 but 2 neighbors mentioned it to us. "You guys are always out in the yard." I suppose our outdoor space is coming along, but we still have a ways to go. Someone in our neighborhood was giving away free sod, so we snatched that up. We now need sprinklers for the area, but one step at a time. We also had 2 stubborn tree stumps removed. Andrew dug and dug and dug and we finally decided to call it quits. He tried to get the stump out for hours. We finally just hired someone. Those stumps weren't coming out. 

The movie--"The Bad Guys"

We went on $5 Tuesday to see this movie. We finished off our first bucket of popcorn less than 5 minutes into the movie. It was the perfect dinner. I like going to movies to watch my kid's reactions and excitement throughout. We definitely had to give them a few reminders to keep their squeals and shouts to a minimum. It was a cute movie. I'm looking forward to going to more movies as a family this summer.

The Living Room Hike, Salt Lake City

I have a lengthy list of hikes I want to get to and "The Living Room Hike" aka "The Furniture Hike" has been on said list for a while. I kept going back and forth about whether or not we should attempt the hike. The hike is 2.4 miles roundtrip and several reviews mentioned it was hard. Take that, All Trails--it wasn't too hard for us. My kids are rockstar hikers. Izzy insisted on walking for a large chunk of our journey up but eventually was carried in a backpack. The kids collected rocks and sticks along the trail and we spotted colorful flowers. The temperature was perfect. There is furniture made out of rocks at the top which was James' favorite. He liked pretending he was making furniture. The view of Salt Lake was phenomenal. I didn't drift down to all the rocks on the overlook like my carefree children and husband. Go figure. There were some tears of exhaustion on the way down, but I've learned that tears and children go hand in hand. We did it and I'd call the hike a win!

I look so much bigger than Andrew in this photo. (I'm sitting on a higher rock.) I considered having a picture re-take since clearly, this bugged me, but I was genuinely worried that the kind stranger taking our pic would step off the mountain by accident and didn't want to risk it.

Notice my legs at the top of the pic. I didn't go exploring through the rocks.

The Gateway Children's Museum-- Salt Lake City

We had a coupon for this museum, so we decided to give it a try. Boy am I glad we did. This was heaven for my kids. My kids are the perfect ages for what the museum had to offer. There was so much to do-- a beehive playground you could slide and climb on, a construction area, a play kitchen, a room to do arts and crafts, water toys, a pretend grocery store, a helicopter, and so much more. I tried to capture everything, but I just couldn't and Andrew reminded me to just watch and enjoy the kids in their element. It was pretty crowded with a large field trip group.

Won't be repeating that sock/shoe/pant combo again

Josh and Paige Ditto's Wedding

We were able to go to Josh and Paige's wedding luncheon and reception. The Ditto program was out of this world. There was talk of hiring a stage manager. They put on an entire production explaining Josh and Paige's love story. Singing, fireworks, children, phantom of the opera masks, a motorized segway, and more were involved. They sang acapella and I asked if it's a prerequisite to be a good singer in order to become a Ditto. Man, they can sing. It was special to be there. Dan and Laura have a neat family. I loved catching up with everyone. It was especially fun to chat with Matt and Mandy who were in town from Atlanta. We saw so much family (Dave and Peggy, Laurie, Grandma Ditto, Andrea and her kids, Rebecca and Ben, just to name a few.) My heart was full.

It was bittersweet when our week of fun had to come to a close, but I'd definitely say we made the most of our time with Andrew not working. Here's to retirement!