Adjusting....

We are adjusting to life without the boys living at home, well except for Tyler but he is rarely home anyways.  It is quiet when I get home in the afternoon....no fighting, no tattling on each other, no nagging to get homework done, no Justin's talking your ear off, no rushing to get dinner started so we can get the boys to their activities.    I am not forever stepping over matchbox cars, legos or crayons. I sometimes miss the chaos of raising three boys but we are enjoying this new phase in our lives.  It is nice to just be able to make sandwiches some nights and spend time with each other.

Happy 4th of July

As a family we had a great weekend. On Saturday we spent the day on the lake with Jason, April, Dad, Monica (Tyler's girlfriend), Tyler and Michael and I.  I forgot to put sunscreen on so I have been miserable.  I don't ever remember being burned like this.  Ouch!!  On Monday I worked but the boys and Michael re-shingled the front of the house and then we had our annual 4th of July party. We had a houseful but we had fun.  It seems like since Mom has been gone it just isn't the same though.  Maybe next year we will start some new traditions.....Sigh :(

Some insight

We heard from Justin today.  It was really good to hear from him.  I have been waiting anxiously to hear from him.  I know he has only been gone not quite a week. but it gave me a some insight to the way our Heavenly Father must feel as he waits for us to come to him in prayer. He wants to hear from us his children.  It has been different and a little bit of an adjustment for me coming home after work to a quiet house. I am sure that I will get used to it.  Today I took a nap in the hammock and just relaxed.

And He goes.....


It came. The day I dreamed of, hoped and fervently prayed for. You chose to serve. You chose to dedicate two years to God. You chose to go forth and spread the Gospel truth.
I saw the change. I witnessed the spirit working within you. My heart rejoiced and peace stayed for a while.

Then it was time. You entered the MTC. We took you there and goodbyes came all to quickly.Only this time we left you there and my heart cried.
Reflections of a lifetime journey-walking with you.
A thousands memories, pave the path from infancy to this door.
My aching heart knows that things will never ever be quite the same as you grow in faith and hold God's hand. For you will leave as a boy, my son and then come home a man.

Oh how I will miss your face and those tender hugs and smiles.
And so for the next few years I will hold this handerkerchief and let it catch those falling, grateful and lonely tears.

Tears of Joy, Tears of missing you and most of all Tears of love.

-Kathy Carrico Himle

And He goes.......