Life is Short

I recently heard that a classmate of mine passed away after a long battle with cancer. I have to admit, I lost contact with Anne years ago. That is my loss. I once read an article in The Friend. The events all seemed familiar. Sure enough, it was written by Anne.

Here is a link to a tribute written in honor of Anne. Even though you may not know her, it is worth reading.

http://josikilpack.blogspot.com/2009/08/life-she-lived-anne-creager.html

I think all of us can learn from tragedy. We can all be better people. We all need to remember that life is beautiful and worth enjoying every day. For the day will come, that all of us will realize that life is really short.

It's a BOY!

My friend Jana gave birth to a healthy and happy baby boy this morning. They did not find out what they were having so he came as a surprise.

I love holding newborn babies. For those of you wondering, no, it does not make me baby hungry. I am perfectly content holding other people's newborns. For some reason Jana didn't want to have a picture of her in a hospital gown posted on the world-wide-web. (I can't imagine why.) She had just been through over 12 hours of labor and had only 4 hours of sleep in the last 36 hours. Here is a cute picture of little Remington with all of his blond hair.

Congrats to Jana, Chad, and Remington!

Amazing!

Hurricane Dolly recently swept over South Texas. We watched the news and weather reports closely. We worried and prayed. When all was said and done, we heard some pretty amazing stories.

South Padre Island was probably the hardest hit. It was just a few months ago that we were playing on the beach there. This is what it was like for us.

This is what it looks like as the storm approached. The beach where we played was completely under water. Only the dunes were left to be seen.


Power was not restored for over a week. Many hotels and businesses had major damage. For an area dependent on tourism, the effects of rebuilding may take longer and the economic repercussions may be felt for some time.

The eye of the storm took a slight turn northward as it made landfall. It went directly over the homes of some of our friends. They said the rain was coming in at a horizontal angle. After a brief period of calm, as the eye passed over, the rain came in again horizontally only this time from the other direction.

My close friend and mentor, Elena, lived right where the south eyewall went over. This means they had some of the worst winds without any of the calm. Elena was reading the Book of Mormon Stories with her kids that night. Ernest was sick in bed with an extremely high fever. When she realized part of the roof had blown off their house, she told the kids, "Get your shoes on. We have to leave." The girls grabbed a couple of pictures, and at the time, Elena wasn't sure what the others grabbed. Since they couldn't walk across the street due to high winds with metal flying through the air, she pulled their Suburban to the front door, loaded the kids with her sick husband, and drove across the street to Ernest's sister's house. There, they spent the rest of the night with a total of 12 kids, 2 mothers, and Ernest who was still sick in bed. It is a small house with all the windows boarded up to keep the glass from shattering inside. There was no electricity. The heat was stifling. They sat, listening to the winds howl and the rains pour, not knowing what would be left of their house.
The morning after the hurricane passed, Elena went to their home only to find the ceiling laying on the sofa, broken wood from the roof on the fridge, and the ceiling of the bathroom ready to collapse. As she put it, "I have natural skylights in my house." The wall holding her cupboards became so saturated with water, the cupboard fell breaking half of her dishes. As she started the clean up process, she pulled the garbage can to the back door and just started throwing things out. Their furniture was mostly ruined. Luckily the bedrooms and most of their clothes were spared although she had to wash all the the clothes to prevent them from getting moldy. (Laundry for 8 people is a never ending experience.) Further assessment has determined they will need to replace the floor, walls, ceiling and roof. Other than that...........

Ernest was admitted to the hospital shortly after the hurricane. His white blood cell count was high and his potassium levels were low. He was placed on IV antibiotics and given fluids for dehydration. They never determined where the infection was coming from. After a few days in the hospital, he was released. On the way home, Elena noticed he looked sad. She teased him, "Do you want to stay in the hospital?" He replied, "No, I just realized there is no home to go to. We are homeless." He was right.

As I have talked with Elena these past few weeks I have learned the true meaning of amazing. She is not bitter, in fact, we still joke around making each other laugh out loud. She told me people can either choose to be bitter or they can decide things are going to get better. She holds her head high and does what needs to be done. She told her kids, all the things in the house are just stuff. They are replaceable. They have their family and that is really what matters.

They are staying with her aunt while they work to make their house habitable. They are hoping FEMA may help them rebuild. The family of eight is sharing two rooms. They continue to read the Book of Mormon as a family and pray together daily. In fact, as they left their home in the midst of the storm, the kids grabbed their scriptures. I have often wondered, if I had time to grab only one thing from my home leaving the rest behind, what would it be? For them, it was memories and scriptures. Everything else was just "stuff".

Aaron pointed out a scripture to me one night after I spoke with Elena.

"...remember, remember that it is on the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall." Helaman 5:12

Like Aaron said, this scripture has new meaning. They are examples of this

They are amazing!

Party. Party. Party.

The first day we were in Texas, the Rawling's hosted a get-together at their house. While our kids were growing up, we spent every Friday afternoon with Charlene and her kids. It was interesting to see the boys pick up the swords and start sword fighting just as they did when they were younger. Everybody brought different finger foods. The food and the company were great! I enjoyed sitting at the table with some of the women from church. We spent the evening chatting. It was so fun! I haven't laughed that hard in a really long time. One thing I love about the Valley is the diversity. Even at this table, we each came from different backgrounds and are in different situations and yet we all loved talking, learning, and sharing with each other.The next morning, we had breakfast at the Jorgensen's. Michelle makes the best apple or banana pancakes with real maple syrup from Wisconsin. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water. The Rawling's family joined us for breakfast and a picture. Yes, that is me behind the kids. I'm sure Esteban was standing up hill from me. He can't really be that tall.
The Magallan family invited us out to their ranch for FHE. The Trevino family also joined us. Emma made some yummy Italian food. Again, my mouth is watering. We watched the kids ride the four wheelers and jump on the trampoline. Then we all piled in the back of a pickup for a drive over to the lake in their ranch community. We decided if we saw Border Patrol we would all have to make a run for it. Each man for himself. (I love south Texas border humor.)

We arrived at the lake about sunset. A few months ago, Ethan told me he missed looking out and seeing the horizon. In Utah, the mountains get in the way. Here is a look at the Texas horizon at sunset. We had a great FHE lesson and activity after root beer floats.Later in the week, we visited the Watkins family. Our dear friend Sister Hartman was there as well. We had another delicious dinner. Home cooked food tastes even better, having eaten fast food and picnics all week. Brother Watkins entertained the kids with a variety of games and activities.
Sister Hartman gave us a bag of candy for each of the kids for the ride home. She has always given the kids little treats and she knows AJ especially loves butterscotch candy.

We also had the opportunity to visit the Sustaita family. They are great friends and have been since we first moved to Texas. Elena is an amazing cook. She made the best botana I have ever eaten. I'm going to try to duplicate here at home but, I'm telling you now, it won't the same.

Like I've mentioned before, we met them shortly after moving to Texas. Esteban and Ernie were babies back then. This is them now.
They spent the evening trying to figure out which or both of them could fly to visit the other one sometime this summer. When you are twelve, life seems that easy.

As you can see, the highlight of the trip was seeing so many of our close friends and those we haven't seen for so long. We love this area of the world and mostly that is due to the friendly hospitality we are shown.

Home Away From Home

We were on vacation for 10 days. In that time, we slept in 7 different places (Eight, if you count the car, but that's not really considered sleep.). Only twice, did we sleep in the same hotel room for more than one night. Our family is large enough that we stayed in hotels that offered suites. The rooms were nice and most of the beds were comfortable.

The last place we stayed was by far and away my favorite. I call it Hotel Rosie. My good friend offered to let us stay at her house even after I pointed out that meant an extra seven bodies in her home. Her guest room had the best bed we slept in.

The girls enjoyed sleeping with Rosie's daughter, Beth, in her Tinkerbell room.

I didn't realize until this trip how offended people were that we paid money to stay in a hotel when there were so many people around we could've stayed with. We were informed for next time just to show up on any doorstep and they would make accommodations for all of us. That is one of the many things I love that about the Latino culture. Mi casa es su casa (my house is your house) really comes from the heart.

Family and Friends

My sister Monica and her kids came to visit earlier in the week. It was so fun to spend the afternoon with them! Holly is walking now and Milo couldn't wait for Ethan to get home from school so they could sword fight. (I should've taken a picture but, I was too busy watching and giggling).

We took the kids to the local park and zoo. Savanah and Milo had fun looking at the animals while walking through the zoo. Holly enjoyed riding in her stroller especially when the animals were close by and on her level. A few weeks ago, when we were at this park, Vanessa layed curled up in a ball. She was too shy and afraid to do anything. This time, well, let's just say things were a little different.With this visit from my sister, I was reminded how nice it is to not only be related as family, but to be friends as well. Thanks, Monica.

Ten-N-More

For those of you wondering, the title of this post is not about my future aspirations. Just read on and you'll see...

A few weeks ago, we had the chance to meet up with one of Aaron's mission companions and his family. Paul and Aaron actually served together twice and they were a great companionship. I doubt they realized as they walked the streets of Venezuela that at some future point, they would have a total of 11 kids between them.Yep, they have 6 kids (one little girl is hiding behind her mom) and as you all know, we have 5. We met them at Temple Square, which is where Janet, Paul's wife, served her mission. I enjoyed talking to her about her mission and motherhood.

As I talk with other women who are mothers of big families I find it very interesting. We are the masters of multi-tasking. We carry on conversations, while constantly counting heads, and answering children's questions. As I talk to women about the challenges of motherhood, I find they feel the same way I do, we wouldn't have it any other way.

My Mentor

I have to do a shout out to my mentor, Elena. Except for my mother she taught me more about motherhood than any other woman. She was a young mother when I was a young mother. When we met, I didn't know any other young mothers to relate to. We quickly became friends. She taught me enjoy to pregnancy and motherhood. She helped me learn to ignore the "you are too young" or "you have to many kids" comments. She helped me in so many ways. She is my mentor, my friend, and the first woman that I am not related to that I felt was truly my sister.We met Ernest and Elena right after we moved to Texas. Aaron helped the missionaries teach them the gospel. They were baptized shortly after. At the time, they had three young children and we had our baby Esteban. Now, they have six and we have five. They moved to Iowa years ago and recently moved back to Texas. We hadn't seen them in a really long time. So, when we were in Texas a couple of weeks ago we surprised them with a visit. It was so fun to just show up at their house. The first hug with Elena brought tears to my eyes.

It was so nice to see them again. That is one beautiful family with four-n-even-more.

Poor Heather

I have this friend in Riverton named Heather, who was nice enough to help me with some Christmas gifts. She sent me a package 2 weeks ago and I haven't taken the time to let her know the package arrived.

As you all well know, I am terrible at returning phone calls. It's not that I don't love you all, it's just that I get a little bit occupied every once in a awhile. I have this bad habit of thinking at different times throughout the day, "I need to call Heather" (or whoever else is on my mind at the time). The problem is, I always think these things when I'm right in the middle of something else, such as fixing dinner, washing dishes, in the shower etc. etc. Then, I think, "I'll do it as soon as I finish this." Well, with four-n-more kids around, I'm never finished.

So, poor Heather has been waiting to hear my reply for weeks, and like the bad friend that I am, I haven't even called to say "Thank you." So, to all my dear friends and family, whom I rarely call or email, I apologize for past offenses and future ones as well. You are in my thoughts often. Hopefully, I can be better about letting you know.

Our Visitors

I'm so far behind, but there are a few things that I really want to write about.

Our good friend Sarah was able to come visit for a few days before the holidays. Vanessa seemed to enjoy being with her namesake.Sarah arrived just as we were leaving our apartment for the last time. She was a huge help when it came to moving and unpacking. The first night in our new home was a Saturday. She walked to church with us the next morning. Although we only have to walk a block, it was still cold on her poor legs.
Sandra (another friend from Texas, who has been in Provo for a semester) also came to visit us. We went to Idaho where the boys took them on a hike up Little Mountain behind Aaron's parent's home.
The sun was going down that day and again, it was really cold. (I stayed behind to make hot chocolate.)
This reminds me of a "boy band" photo shoot. They are so funny!

It was so nice having friends visit from Texas.

New Favorite

I went out to dinner last night with my childhood friend, Melissa and my sister, Laurann. We went this trendy restaurant. I was a little bit nervous due to the fact that I'm just not what you would envision as a "trendy" person. Both Melissa and Laurann are single, trendy, and absolutely beautiful.

The food was great and the company was even better. Melissa is my friend that lived in Manhattan for 5 years only to move back to Utah the same weekend we did. It has been interesting to talk to her as we both adjust back to Utah after returning with more liberal views that when we left. She is the one that introduced me to the world of blogging so, if you want to see what a real blog is like, check out hers at http://twinkieinmanhattan.blogspot.com/


After dinner, we ordered the creme brulee for dessert. I have never tasted it before and it was delicious! It is a custard type of dessert with a crusty top layer of melted sugar. I place it on the top of my favorite desserts list. With a sweet tooth like mine, that is saying a lot. The problem is, I don't have a blow torch in my kitchen to melt the sugar on top, so I'm not sure I'd ever be able to re-create it at home. I guess that just gives me one more reason to look forward to dining out again.

I Love to See the Temple

Remember, a couple of weeks ago, I said I could only drive 1 1/2 hours before I was too tired to go on? Well, yesterday I drove to San Antonio (4 hours away) and back. The only reason I would, and could do it, is to go to the Temple. I am so happy when I see the Temple up on the hill. I immediately think of the words to one of my favorite songs, I Love to See the Temple.

Yesterday, I went to the Temple because a very good friend of mine, was going for the first time. Rosie is an amazing woman. Her husband died less than a year ago. She has remained faithful and is learning that she is stronger than she thought she was. I was her counselor in the Primary when he died. There have been two occasions when the only thing I could think to say to Rosie, was "I love you", the first, was at her husband's funeral, and the second, was yesterday as I stood with her in the Temple . Two different circumstances, two different emotions, and yet, the same tears ran down my face.

I drove with several other women from the church. They each had inspiring stories. Rosa, told us of her conversion, raising her son alone after her divorce, and a Bishop's call for her to come back to church, so she could go to the Temple. Janie, is also a divorced mother who fought depression and anger before the missionaries knocked on her door three years ago. She was baptized a month later. When she began reading the Book of Mormon, she couldn't put it down and finished it for the first time within a month. She, along with her three children live with her parents. They are the only members in her family. A few weeks ago, she was too sick to go to church, her 8 year old daughter got herself ready, asked her aunt to drop her off, and went to church alone. I hope I can raise my children with that kind of testimony. When I think of a happy person, I think of Janie, because now, she always has a smile on her face. Both of them are stronger than they thought they were.

Each of these women have faced heartache that I can't even imagine. I can't understand what they have been through and yet, there is a light that shines in each of their eyes. They have conquered fear and heartache, and so, for me to drive for 8 hours in one day doesn't seem so monumental after all. I am stronger than I thought I was. You could say I came home with a new perspective on my very pampered life.