Somethin's Growing Good...

You can plant flowers...even from bulb and seed...and have them grow in Phoenix, Arizona. It only takes ...winter...

I planted Forget-Me-Not seeds after I heard this talk given to the women of the LDS Church (but it really is great for ALL women!)

I planted daffodils and iris bulbs. (Sorry, no pics...I broke my cardinal rule and deleted from the SD card before I printed and albumed :(...)

I also planted mums, alyssum, dianthus and gazanias (from Jessica and Nathan). 

I just may keep this thing going, though I don't know what survives in full sun..in August...in Phoenix. 

Just a Few Pics...of My Completed Hut!

Nate was so busy before he went that we just let the shelving sit, incomplete, until he left. So Dee finished it! It is absolutely awesome!

A Choir Concert for Our Self-Proclaimed "Only Child"

With Nate gone, Kayty has gleefully proclaimed herself an "only" child (though she has always behaved has the empress around here) She is now certain  that the "true mess maker" will be revealed. (Now as of the date of actual composition of this post, one month after he left, it is true that he is the toothpaste-on-the-rear-of-the-bathroom-basin spitter - and I am still not sure how he climbed on that counter and spit toothpaste in the sink at the back) Anyway, we just went to her concert...no leaving a note for Nate (really kinda sad, since we used to do this....)

Ain't this cute! I saw this right after Grace left Phoenix...I guess she just wanted  us to know where she  is too!

The concert was great; full of music from musicals...and operas! Quite a mix. 

And...yes...between Nate's farewell and Nate's setting apart, she went from pink...to blue! (You should have seen how confused our stake president looked!)

Farewell, Elder Rice

The day we looked forward to, for over 19 years, and yet didn't anticipate, came. I woke early, did my exercises, got ready, and then woke Elder Rice and the rest of the crew. It was very early (Ethan and Cameo were coming at 5:00 am to go to the airport with us.)

Suitcases were rolled out, and Elder Rice dressed, suit, and his favorite purple striped tie. (It may even have been Jessica's favorite one too!)

He ate his last breakfast: Fruity Cheerios with crushed Trader Joe's Jojo's on it.

We piled in the jeep and headed out. First stop: Jack In The Box for his last Jack Tacos!

Into the airport we all trudged. The lines were huge!! The lady at the ticket counter was sooo nice! She got him to turn around when she saw "mom" taking pictures. Weighing bags was scary, but both were less than 50 pounds, so no more money than the 60 bucks we had already paid to get two years of stuff to Utah and then Korea.

Pictures...Hugs...and he had to go. (That hug he gave me...best. hug. ever. Didn't want it to stop!)

Dad WAS there, but had to use the facilities, so he missed picture time. 

This one I took on my phone and sent to Jessica. 

Dad went to meetings at work, so Ethan and Cam sweetly took Kayty and I out to "The Place" for breakfast. Nicest thing to eat some yummy fruit with the nicest kids of mine!

They dropped me at home...Kayty went to work. I was alone. No one told me my nest would just empty all of a sudden. It was bittersweet, truly. I checked the computer for the takeoff, and the landing, like I always do when anyone in my family flies. There safely...

On for two years of the greatest adventure, and greatest service of his life!

Set Apart

Nathan's last day as a "civilian" was very busy, with cleaning out the jeep Ethan had let him use, purchasing and packing the last few items, eating his last few meals out with Jessica. Finally, he put on his suit, went to Jessica's for their last goodbye, and met us at church to be set apart. The setting apart of a full time missionary is a very sacred, special blessing, performed by President Martin, our stake president. He says a prayer which officially makes you a full time missionary. Then, he pronounces a special blessing, as the Spirit dictates. It was very sacred: a message from our Heavenly Father to Nathan. It was especially wonderful to have Ethan, Cameo and Kayty be able to share it. (Amber had become ill so Doran wasn't able to be there.)

Last Goodbye for Best Buddies

We spend Monday with the Wilkins before they had to return home.

First, Papa, Adam and Daddy worked on Adam's second pinewood derby car. (It raced on the 21st...and WON! Hooray Adam and Mike!!!!)

We played, we tetherballed, we swang, we built trains, we played dress up, we played ball, we slid down the fireman pole, we ate Klondike Bars (Papa is such an ice cream corrupter of small grandchildren)

All too soon, it was time to go. Goodbye had to be said to Uncle Nate.

First was the traditional toss up. Grace LOVES it when Nate throws her up in the air. So, he did it...three times...I bet she will be a little too big to toss in two years.

Then, a family picture.

We picked Grammy Bag stuff, and loaded up. I was walking toward the front door, and found Joshy standing there, arms folded. Together, we said a prayer, blessing the Focus of theirs to get home safely. Such a sweet angel, and such good parents to teach him about prayer.

Grace, from her seat, as they backed out, yelled, "Best Buddies...forever." Nate heard, and yelled back, "Best Buddies...forever!"

Not a dry eye...then...or now!

They made it safely home. So thankful they made such a sacrifice to come.

So thankful for ALL the sacrifices made to be together!