Surprise

Well, we got a bit of a shock and a surprise...Travis received word that after AIT in July he will be stationed in Korea! Holy cow! I'm still reeling a bit at the shock of it. BUT Jessica and the boys DO get to be with him since he will be there for 3 years!! They are coming here for a visit sometime this summer before they leave for Korea. I guess I'll have to get really good at sending letters overseas and packages too! And hopefully, Skype will help out so we can see them online that way. This really is a great opportunity for them. They will learn and grow so much by being in a different culture. The Seoul Temple is about 40 minutes from the base there so that's good. I'll bet they have an awesome ward too! Lucky ward to get my kids! I'll have to find out how to do international calling too.

Family History

I just wanted to write about the new and exciting thing that I'm doing now. I am doing Indexing for the Family Search program that is by the Church. When I signed up I wasn't sure what exactly I would be doing but I had been feeling a pull to do some family history work but didn't see how I would get organized enough to do where Mom had left off. So I went to the website and when the first page came up it brought me straight back to being a kid and doing genealogy with Laura and Mom. There in front of me was a scan of a census from 1910. So cool!! What I do is transfer the information from the census sheet into the table/boxes on the computer and then when I'm done I send the batch in. It goes pretty quickly and the boys and Dan are so impressed that I'm doing this and Ransom reminded me to say a prayer to be able to read it correctly. Sweet boy! Dan is going to sign up too. I think he'll really enjoy it as well. Dan says that I'd probably start having angels surrounding me as I worked. Sounds like a good idea to me!

A Soldier!!! I'm gonna have to learn to say HOO-AH!!!

Our Number one, number one son is completing basic training this week at Ft. Jackson, SC. His follow on assignment for Advanced Infantry Training, (AIT) is at Redstone arsenal in Alabama. His pretty wife, OUR Number one only Daughter-in-law is on her way out to his graduation, this Thursday and Friday. Life getting in the way as usual precluded me from attending, to my chagrin and disappointment. I did get to talk to him Sunday when he called. He apparently won an Eagle pass for on post for having the best pt score and generally being an excellent example of a recruit.

We've been able to follow him on Facebook because of the training command allowing a photographer to follow their training and post pictures of the different platoons as they progressed. If I can figure out how to link it at the end of this I will. We have therefor been able to find him in pictures as Echo company (the Punishers) have worked their way from the NBC chamber and tear gas- through victory forge, the last 4 day field exercise before graduation. To anyone who reads this....This is my son the Soldier. Jessica's Husband Thomas and Felix's Father but my Son. (OK Sharon can claim him too.)
OK i can't figure out a hyper link to his basic training but I'm sure you can find it by searching for above, 3rd Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment
Well done Travis!!
Not to bad for a Daddy spot, lol

Mother's Day

Well, I have spent most of the day and last night sick with the flu. Ugh...But I was greeted this morning by a Happy Mother's Day phone call from my Travis! That was so nice and made it feel like he was still in the same town and not so far away. Then Ransom and Chandler came downstairs to sing Happy Mothers' Day to me and from around the corner came...Trevor wrapped up in the blankie I made him for Christmas. He had told me that he wasn't going to be able to come home for today. But Dan and the brothers were in on it. He got here in the middle of the night evidently. What a GREAT surprise!! Dan had to get my meds from the pharmacy so he stayed home with me and the boys went to church. They brought me home the annual potted pansies from church. One in lavender to remember my mom and purple because they love me they said. Sweeties. Dan gave me fuschia colored mini carnations. So I have all of them on top of the tv so I can look at them from my chair. I got to talk to Dad and Jan on the phone for awhile. They said that Rhett had come to make Jan breakfast for them. Cool bro. I got there. I called Joan and also my sister, Peggy to wish them Happy Mothers' Day. And then I got breakfast for dinner. Chandler made me one of my favorites, French toast!! By now my tummy is feeling better so I am glad that I'm improving. I don't have to work tomorrow so I can rest up. Dan has doted on me today, as usual and that was wonderful because he was so tired from going to the store for me late last night. All in all it's been a layed back day. I watched a Schwarzeneggar flick and then Notting Hill with Julia Roberts. I've been missing my mom a lot lately and so yesterday when I was running the make and take jewelry event at Michaels I made a pretty necklace with clear crystals, lavender crystals and a pretty butterfly in honor of Mom. I remember as a little girl she painted the ceiling in her bedroom lavender because she loved that color so much. It's pretty and it was my first try at jewelry making! I tried taking a picture of it but it didn't turn out. I'll try again tomorrow when I'm feeling even better and maybe post it on my Facebook. I'm grateful tonight for a loving and fun family who loves me and also love our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Because without Him I wouldn't have my family forever. There are not enough words of gratitude for that. But still, He knows the contents of my heart. I hope everyone who reads this feels blessed beyond measure as I do.

An Eagle Soars

Last night we had the honor of seeing our Trevor receive his Eagle award from the Boys Scouts of America. It was a great evening. When it was the fathers turn to speak Dan told a sweet story about a little eagle that was raised as a chicken and how the farmer ultimately helped him soar as an eagle. He challenged Trevor and Craig (the other Eagle and one of Trevor's buddies) to soar. Matthew and Krista and family came to the ceremony and Matthew sat in the eagles nest during the program. Alycia, Trevor's sweetheart also attended the program. One of the best moments was when Dan and I received our mother and father pins, but also when Trevor surprised his good friend and mentor for the past several years, Mr. Fred Hall, with the mentor pin. Mr. Hall joked later that he wouldn't have come had he known he was getting a pin. Funny, funny Mr. Hall. I had the honor of making the cake for the night. This was my first cake that I did entirely on my own using my cake decorating skills I learned last year. It was a hit so that was great. It was an amazing night and I was so tickled I wore my mother's pin to church today too. Yes, I'm a mother who never thought we'd see the day, but thank you, Trevor for making our dream for you come true. Soar, baby, soar.

Farewell and Fix It

Well, Travis and Thomas left for Idaho this morning and are still on the road as I write this. It was so sweet having big hugs from Thomas. So sweet! We hugged and kissed Travis too and sent them on their way. I did pretty good. Didn't bawl. I asked Travis to pray us there! Jessica and baby Felix flew to Idaho Saturday while Brent (her dad) drove the truck of their stuff to their place in Hailey, Idaho. Jessica was amazing as she got packed so quickly and with two little ones that need lots of attention!

Trevor was home this weekend and undertook an amazing feat! He took apart his car and another one that he had bought for parts. You should have seen our driveway...filled with all kinds of car parts. It took him until about 2pm today that he got it together. The Subaru worked just how he wanted it too and he was tired but happy. Blood blisters at all!

Poor Thomas

Okay, in my haste to throw some pics up of the fam, I was totally remiss in posting pix of my little Thomas who owns a part of my heart. So here's a couple so you all can see how sweet he is!

This and that

This picture is one of our little Felix this past Sunday. He is getting so expressive now! It's supposed to be a video but I'm not sure if I'm doing it correctly. He is so cute and expressive with his whole little body. When he focuses on you it's wonderful because then he coos and smiles so big!

Speaking of this sweet little lamb, he, his big brother and Mommy and Daddy leave to move to Idaho this Saturday. I will try to be brave and not cry but my bet is I will be bawling...not Felix or Thomas. I am so proud of them for making this change and trying to better their family situation. Travis will have a much better paying job and Jess will be able to continue to stay home with the two little ones. They're having a loading party tomorrow night so I'll go over to help tend the little ones while they do that. Hopefully, we will be following them in a few months if Dan's job transfer goes through. Cross your fingers and pray for us! It's hard being in limbo and not knowing exactly what's going to happen. It's also hard to know that I will not be able to see all of them so often! I will miss them all so much!!!
It's getting late and my eyes are trying to slam shut.

New Adventures

Well, it seems that I had forgotten that I even had a blog to be quite frank. But my friends and family had not. I do miss the fun of posting pics and letting others know what is going on with our family.

Tonight Travis, Jess & the boys came over for dinner. I made pork chops. They didn't come out quite as I had liked, but it ended up that they were a hit anyway! Thanks, guys! Jess decided that a walk was in order since this Conference Sunday was a particularly sunny one. The weather was gorgeous today! So I snapped this pic of her and little Felix's face peeking out. Yes, I've been remiss as a grandma and have not properly announced the addition of Felix into the family. He was born January 21st and is so adorable. More pictures will be coming. My favorite name for him? Chunka Munka Man. He's such a chubby little thing! Also, I'll be putting some more pics on my Facebook too.

So tonight it's official...as per directions by the Spirit...Dan is actively seeking a transfer to a Home Depot in Idaho! I never thought I'd want to leave Washington but the Lord can change a heart. I still love Washington but feel so drawn to Idaho. The catalyst for this was Travis and Jess are moving there in about a month. It got us thinking, and praying, very hard. I even went so far as to pray for a stupor of thought so I wouldn't worry about it. Instead, got a giddy, warm, got to do it feeling and that everything would work out. Chandler was hesitant but is now game for anything, Trevor's all for it since his steady girl will be in Idaho too, Ransom wants the whole discussion to stop and us to forget about leaving. Dan and I feel calm, peaceful and that it's what we want to do. Hopefully we will be able to convince Ransom that this'll be a good move for the family and there are good things awaiting us there.

I'm still working at Michaels for now. Kind of hoping that I'll be able to transfer to one in Idaho too because you can't beat the discount!! Krista has been helping us so much lately as we are going through and doing some deep cleaning and dejunking the house whether we move or not. She says it's her secret plot to make us want to stay in this house and not move. Let's not think about how much I will miss our sisters here in WA. When I'm not dejunking and working I am scrapbooking, sewing and quilting. Oh, and did I mention crocheting?

Okay, Travis, here's a bonafide post, where's my banana Slurpee?

Newest Creation

Today was a long day at work and then half an hour I got off I was still at Michaels for my cake decorating, Course 3. We learned how to make this nifty bow out of fondant. I love the chocolate frosting and pink nifty bow and hearts on the cake. I think it's my favorite so far.

Boys, boys, BOYS

Here's a little peek at Travis & Jess' baby number 2! It's a boy! He's a wiggler.

Tootles,
Sharon

School Days

Well, I always have mixed feelings about school starting. On the one hand, the boys do better with a schedule but I love the mostly carefree and fun days of summer. Sure, not having them home during the day will make my job easier, but then who will tell me funny jokes on my work breaks? And my kids crack me up! Here's a pic of Ran & Chan yesterday, the first day of school. For Ransom it's the first day of high school and Chandler starts middle school. No more elementary days. That does make me a bit melancholy...

*Wannabee* Ace of Cakes Part 2

These pics are from Course 2! We start Fondant and Gum Paste class on September 8th! We can't wait! The last cakes are our Grand Finale cakes with the basketweave!

*Wannabee* Ace of Cakes

Ever since I was a little girl I have always wanted to learn how to decorate cakes. My mom had this neat book on all these different kinds of cakes to decorate. I can't tell you how many times I just looked and looked at that book. I remember for my 9th birthday that she made me this special cake that had poodles made out of sugar. I loved it!

So as my life has gone on I kind of gave up on learning cake decorating since I had so many other fun hobbies and felt that I didn't have time or energy for another one. Then I'm in a position now for free Wilton cake decorating classes at Michael's because I work there. I resisted and resisted for months and then July I decided to give it a try. What's really fun is that my sweet Jess is taking the classes with me and my friend, Wendy, is the Wilton instructor! Jess and I have had lots of fun learning together. Some of it has come really easy, others really hard like it took 'til Course 2 to realize that I had been doing the rose BACKWARDS...no wonder it felt so difficult. Jess has a real flair for it. Not surprising since she's so artistic. I'm including some pictures so you can see our creations. Oh! I even got Chandler to come one day when we were creating cupcakes! Enjoy the pics and YES the cakes were divine!

See the next post for more pics!

Happy Mother's Day

I look forward to Mother's Day because I get to get pictures with each of my boys for the scrapbook. It's a tradition that started a few years before my mom passed. I'm so glad I started it! So I actually have pictures of me and Mom together that I can cherish. This year we chose the front yard for the location. We were too pooped to party anywhere else and hey, we have the built in bench (aka. the tree that we felled like 2 MONTHS ago. Haven't gotten rid of it yet so why not use it?!). We have this group shot and then Dan had the boys each give me a kiss when he took the picture! Love, love, love it! The only thing that would have been better would be to have Jess and Thomas with us on Mother's Day but they were on a little vacation, seeing her folks in Idaho. Travis was happy to come hang with us.

I started my day with Chandler waking me with breakfast in bed. He has piles of scrambled eggs for the eyes, a spot of syrup for the nose and bacon placed in a happy face smile. He also made me this really neat heart shaped dish out of clay. I have to find a good spot for it on my desk. Ransom made me a card that was so sweet! Trevor made us dinner of bacon wrapped hot dogs with chili over it. Not my fav. but he made it so happily, I wasn't going to argue about that. We played Apples to Apples after that. I never win that silly game! The boys play it the way you put the most outrageous things for the category. How can I match that? Still, it was fun and I love hearing my boys laugh. Poor Dan had a wicked headache so he wasn't feeling so festive. Oh, lest you think my honey forget to get me a gift, he got me an iTouch a bit early!!! It's so cool. I can even surf the net and watch youtube while in bed. Love wireless internet! I guess I could put movies on it too but I haven't figured out how to do that yet. Hope your Mother's Day was good too!