November 2012

November started with my 40th birthday.  Because it was in the middle of the week, Brian couldn't be here.  So my sweet parents hopped in their car and drove 5 hours to be with me.  My parents.  I couldn't have asked for better.  And honestly, they were the two I should have been with anyway!  I can't help but try to imagine what it was like 40 years ago when it was just the three of us.  I'm just really grateful.

Even though Brian wasn't there, I found out that he had made all sorts of plans with the kids to help make my day special.  Sweet McKenna woke up at 5:30 to decorate and make me my favorite breakfast.  I love these kids so much.  I got to spend the day with my parents, and then we all went to the Boise Temple Open House.  It was a perfect day topped off by dinner and a trip to my favorite store, Whole Foods, my Dad's idea.  He gave me a 100 dollar bill, like a kid at the candy store!

We had some dear friends come to Boise for the Temple Open House.  I've known Becky since we were both freshman at Ricks College!  And she and Justin and Brian and I were best friends at Utah State and even had our firstborns just a few days apart!  It was awesome seeing them and being with them again.

Our three older kids got to be a part of the Boise Temple Celebration.  They had wonderful experiences.  We were reunited with some other dear friends that we knew when we lived here many years ago, the Thompsons.  Jaden and Mary used to play together all the time!  And the best part of November?  We got to meet Brian in Utah for Thanksgiving!  With my sweet family and the Andersons for the 9th or 10th year in a row.  It was awesome.  Family is everything.  Friends are a close 2nd.  So grateful to have both now.

Halloweenie

That's what my Dad always called it.  I was on my own this year.  By this time, I was feeling pretty lonely.  Three months on my own seemed like forever.  Good thing I didn't know I'd only made it half way!  These sweet faces are what saved me.  Honestly, I don't know what I would have done without Brielle's sweet friendship, Channing's cuddly, warm little body at night, Cole's kind words and helpful attitude, Garner's daily hugs and gentleness.  I won't mention Jaden and McKenna because they were struggling right along with me.  Anyway, here's their Halloween costumes!  I think Channing looks like a little Brian and Brian has the nickname "Brian the Lion," not sure why??

Jadey Babes, Jado Potato, Jadina

Our sweet boy is all grown up.  It is crushing my heart, literally, to know that he'll be leaving us soon.  I used to think that I'd move through the steps of life somewhat gracefully.  Instead, I'm stumbling like I just learned to walk.  And I'm falling and it's hurting.  No one told me how much I'd fall in love with someone that would inevitably leave me.  Jaden graduates in a month.  He's going to BYU in the Fall and then he hopes to serve a mission.  He is going to be great.  At whatever he chooses to do.  And I'll stand back and, with pride and gratitude, remember when he was mine.
Thanks, sweet Jen, for the most perfect memories of him.  I'm so grateful for you.