I hope they call me on a mission...

As a Mother there are a few days that just take you breathe away... Well, last Wednesday was one of them. My daughter, Jessie had applied to serve a mission for our church and now the letter had arrived stating where she would serve for a year and a half. Words do not express the tender feelings I have for Jessie's choice to serve. To give her heart, soul, time and energy to the betterment of mankind in whatever way she is assigned is a gift not to be taken lightly. We were linked by phone as Jessie shared her news...

She will be serving in the California San Diego Mission, Spanish speaking and will be involved with the San Diego Mormon Battalion Historical Site. I know that great experiences are ahead for her. I can see that she has been well prepared for this specific assignment and can hardly wait for her to begin this adventure. I wish I could go along with her...

Megan is headed off to college...

Today Megan received notice that she was accepted to BYU. She has been an incredible student and her hard work has paid off. I am so proud of her and thrilled for her future. She is still waiting to hear from William and Mary and UVA, but BYU seemed to be her favored choice, so I am grateful she has the option. Hooray for Megan Elizabeth!!!!

Happy Birthday to Greg!

On Valentines Day twenty-three years ago, I received an amazing gift... I became a mother. I fell head over heals in love with my little bald headed valentine. We named him Gregory Scott and it has been a thrill to watch that little baby become a great man. Jay and I are so grateful to have such a son to forge the way for our children. Greg is a delight to be around, he can turn any event into a celebration and lives his life with honor, integrity and fun. It has been 5 years since I have spent a birthday with this boy and I miss him. I hope he can feel my fierce mother love clear across the country. Happy Birthday Greg!!! I love you!!!!

a funny story...

We were all outside sledding, shoveling and snow cave building... our dog, Max was alone in the house. With a new costco size bag of chocolate chips in the pantry to get us through the storm, an almost gone bag was left on the counter. Well Max made the lucky find and slipped his nose in to get a taste... a little further to get the last of the chocolaty chips and guess what... his head was stuck in the bag. Jay and Em were the first ones in to find him with the bag on his head running into walls because he couldn't see a thing... poor Max! Pictured here is Matt and his cool snow cave and the neatly shoved driveway... FREEDOM! No school this week!!! Gotta love the snow days... off to make cookies...

Let it Snow... Let it Snow... Let it Snow...

We are safe and sound, cozy and snug... living in a winter wonderland... Friday school was canceled in anticipation of the big storm. Two feet of snow later we really are snowed in. Meg even arranged to have a dear friend snowed in as well! The view is breathtaking, our woods are magical. No church tomorrow and I would bet no school on Monday... lots of sledding and hot chocolate. Life is good!

Together Again!!!

Now it really feels like Christmas because we are all together! Greg arrived late Thursday night and Jessie Friday afternoon... just in time to drop by Dupont Circle for a Crepe and head to see the National Christmas tree where we had our photo taken with Santa. Here comes Christmas...

Count Down to Thanksgiving...

Thanksgiving is a favorite of mine... a sweet time of gathering, celebrating, eating, remembering and thanking... I love everything about it. This will be a tender year as we mark the year anniversary of my Dad's death. I am reminded of his great example and miss the details of being with him... extra thankful for the opportunity to be his daughter.