Red ALERT!

Attention all drivers and pedestrians...B got her license! I now only go into town a few times a day instead of several. Think of all the money I am saving on gas...insurance you ask? Not so much!

Good Things:
1. Less chauffering
2. Children prepared to be on their own
3. Children still at home

What I learned about myself

I admit, I am a control freak. This I know. I think most Moms are this way, it is just how we work. It is our job to know what is going on and where everyone is. So I learned this first week of K being gone that I NEED to know these things. So I am having a bit of a hard time not knowing who she is with, and what she is doing. But I am controlling the urge to find out all the time. Call it withdrawls if you want... I like to think of it as good mothering!

Changes, Opportunities, & Advice

So, kids are back in school, and have been for awhile. I just was a little distracted by other things...Such as getting a child ready to go college, and take her there. I know, it doesn't seem quite possible that someone as young as myself could possibly be old enough to have a daughter in college. (wink, wink) Anyway, it happened.
Change is usually most difficult for those left behind. Our house seems quieter. Not that K was loud, but she liked to talk...alot. She would tell us in detail how her day went, what she did, who she was with, what time she did it (exact to the minute,) what she ate, etc. I liked it. The table seems empty. Set for only four, it just doesn't seem right. No one asking if I need help with dinner. No one calling to see if I need anything at the store before she comes home. Just little changes in the dynamics of our family. I am sad, and miss her, I think everyone does. However, I am so excited for her. She has so many opportunities ahead of her. So many new friends to meet. So much to learn. So much to see. What an exciting time in her life...
So here is my advice...
Remember who you are and what you stand for.
Right is still right when no one else is doing it, and wrong is still wrong even when everyone else is doing it.
Always say your prayers.(and read your scriptures.)
You are the Daughter of a King...A true Princess.
We love you.

Good Things

I have forgotten about the Good Things!
1. working in my "office" all morning
2. figuring out a program I have been stumped about for a long time
3. Cool evenings

Swimsuit

I recently found a very cute swimsuit at Target. It was even on clearance, so I just had to try it on because I am always in need of suits. It was just a top, which was great since I wear board shorts on the bottom to help with the unsightly mom hips. Anyway, I tried it on and it really was so cute...no cleavage showing, long enough to cover muffin tops. It seemed to fit all the common criteria of a great thing including the price, since it was on clearance. So I threw it in the cart and away I went, ever so happy with the last suit purchase of the summer season.
We were staying at our timeshare with hot tubs, so when I got there, I pulled off the tag, and went for a little dip in the tubs. Yes, it even looked pretty good in water although a little baggy on the stomach. But that was even better, I wouldn't have to worry about all those ab exercises I have been meaning to do all summer. The next day I was doing a little clean up, and picked up the tags off from the night stand to throw in the trash...WHAT? A MATERNITY SWIM TOP! Yes, I had purchased myself a lovely maternity top. And although I am not pregnant, nor plan to be anytime soon, I will continue to wear my ...Oh, so cute top!
I think I better get real serious about returning to the gym!

My baby is growing up!

D turned 12 this week! Although the actual day didn't seem that significant, everything else is. We started his day at 6:50 with a visit from Bishop Wadsworth. He kindly arranged for D to receive the priesthood that morning before he went to work so he could go to the temple the next day. That was very exciting, and D has been looking forward to that, and getting himself ready to receive the priesthood. He is such a good boy, and continues to amaze me in his understanding of the gospel, and his awareness of the spirit. Not too long ago he came to me crying and said he didn't feel good about going to a friends house. (He had not been there before.) He really wanted to go, but knew he shouldn't. I had been busy with camp stuff among other things, and apparently not paying attention. I am so thankful for his worthiness to recognize the spirit, and follow its promptings. There seems to be time and time again when he is blessed for his faithfulness, and his sincere prayers. We are so lucky to have him in our family. He is a hard worker, thoughtful, smart, funny, and loving young man.
That evening G and I took D and Reed and Carissa out to dinner and to an Aces baseball game. I think they had fun.
On Saturday our whole family went to the temple. I have been looking forward to all being there for a long time. I always felt bad when we would leave D home while the rest of us went in for baptisms. But today, we all were there...I look forward to many more days like that... A little taste of heaven.
Today D will get to pass the sacrament for the first time. A new suit is definitely in order for that. Hopefully he will let me take a picture. I really wanted a picture yesterday of all of us at the temple, but when we left, not a soul was around. A great weekend not only for D, but for me, the Mom as well.

Good things:
1. Being in the temple with everyone
2. A worthy family
3. Growing up (sad too)