Crazy Day!

My youngest daughter has been living at home since she graduated from High School this Spring and had decided that she was going to stay at home during her first semester of college.  Her father and I were totally on board with this.  Until we talked to a neighbor that has lived here in our new area for years.  He told us that part of the area that she would be traveling through from work each night gets really bad during the winter and that several people have lost their lives in that area.  We decided that we should all discuss this and make a decision as college begins this Monday (late time to make this type of decision, I know). 

So after much discussion and prayer, Hannah decided that it would probably be best for her to move to the town her college was located in (20 to 30 min away) so as not to have to travel late at night through the dangerous area this winter.  So, she and I began our search on the internet this morning.  We carefully made a list of the ones we had called that still had openings and that looked clean and fairly well-kept.  We drove past a couple and they weren't what they had looked like on the internet. They were a little sketchy to say the least.  We went to the third one on the list.  Talked to the on-site manager and he took us to look at the room.  There was a girl there that wouldn't let us look at the bedroom that she would share with my daughter.  She said it was because she had just gotten up. (I think there was someone else in the room.)  Anyway, the apartment was a disaster and so we moved on.  At the next apartments we went to, there was a very uplifting feeling.  They were very clean and well kept.  My daughter decided that this was the place for her.  We signed a contract and she began moving her things out this evening.  She is so excited! 

It happened so fast.  I thought I was really ready for this, but I have to admit, I'm a little sad and I'm going to miss having her around to talk to and do things with.  She has kind of been my buddy for many years.  She and I have had a lot of time together.  She is six years younger than her closest siblings (my twins), and so while they are married and gone she and I have been able to do so many things together.  I'm starting to feel a little like I'm lost.  I'm happy for her, but I'm so sad at the same time.  I guess I knew this time was not far off, but wow this happend way to fast!! 

I'm happy to see my children grow up and move on with their lives.  I mean isn't that what we raise them for.  When my first son left home, it was on a 2-year mission for our church.  I missed him dearly and I cried each time I'd go into his room for  a week.  But then I had 3 other children at home and we moved on and got busy.  When my twins left home, my daughter to Moab to be a river guide and my other son on a 2-year mission I had 3 gone at once, but I still had Hannah that needed me to care for her and I kept busy.  Now Hannah is leaving and I have time - oodles of time.  I think I need to look for a way to be a force for good in our community.  Maybe I need to go read to the children at the local elementary.  I will have to let you all know what I decide to do - it'll be an exciting change and hopefully a challenge!!

Summer

This has been a very different summer.  Having all of our children now pretty much grown and adults has left me with the opportunity of making changes and new decisions. 

Hannah has been busy with a new job.  She is getting ready for college and so my time has been my own.

I have had grandma time with my little granddaughter and I've been able to spend time with my oldest daughter Maddi.  They came and lived with us for a week while Maddi's husband was a scout camp.  We all had a really fun time.  Little "L" is growing so much.  She is now walking and trying out new words. 

She really is learning to love books and loves to have them read to her.  I cherish this time with her.

Then Hannah's new employment changed her starting date from July 2 to July 17.  That gave us a week to spend together that we hadn't planned on so we spur-of-the-moment took a family trip.  We also told Hannah that this could count for a Graduation trip.  We had a ball together.  We went to Seattle, Washington.  We had never been there and wanted to see what was there. 

This was taken from the top of the Space Needle.  I know that is a tourist thing to do, but hey, we were tourists.  

The next day we were able to go to Port Townsend and went whale watching.  It was wonderful.  We went up to the San Juan Islands and spent the afternoon in Friday Harbor.  It was an incredibly beautiful island.  We also did see whales.



We also hiked to Lena Lake.  It's a lake that is not accessible by car and it was truly beautiful.  The hike was 3 miles up and 3 miles down.  I didn't think I would make it, but was really proud of myself for making the climb. 

These pictures were taken with my Iphone, so they aren't spectacular, but hey they are memories of our trip and I'm glad I have them. 

We made it home safely and are all back to our daily routine.  Now that I have some extra time, I am training to do more Loan  Originating on Mortgages.  I've been processing, but want to continue to grow in this industry.  So things are busy but I am enjoying this summer. 

We are also expecting our 2nd grand child this fall and I am getting so excited for that.  We are blessed!



Graduation Week

This week our youngest daughter will graduate from Bear River High School.  She has decided to go to Utah State University.  She and a few of her friends went to USU for a day of orientation.  They had alot of fun and took this picture together.  She has had a wonderful time at Bear River High School.  She has made wonderful friends and had wonderful opportunities.  She was on the Varsity soccer team, the track team and also on the Seminary council.  She had the opportunity to attend all of the dances except one this year.  She has had so much to do.  She was able to take several college courses and will be quite a ways ahead when she has to sign up for classes.  As her parents, we are so happy and proud of her and all she has accomplished this year!  She is our last child to graduate from high school. 

It will now be getting quieter at our house.  I will miss having the school activities to go to.  It has been 22 years that we have had children in school and now we will begin a new chapter in our lives.  We have been blessed as parents with lovely children that have a love of their Savior and a desire to be great adults!  We will enjoy this last graduation!  We truly love our children and are so grateful for the blessings they have been in our lives!!