*Monday Memos*

*MONDAY MEMOS*

   

 (If pictures are too small, just click to enlarge) 
Weekly recap of my rather crazy, insane, but fun and rewarding life!

dear monday, I went to the track and got in some walking and took a photo in my Boston Buddies tank top that Vince sent me so I could post it on the BB page. 

On the Boston Marathon Training page: 
Thanks Vince Varallo for the awesome BB tank! I can't thank you and all you amazing BB's enough for your constant support through this crazy journey of mine. I'm now SIX months out from my snowmobile crush injury/cancer. I'm still progressing albeit slowly but I am able to walk 3-4 miles once or twice a week and even though it's still with pain and a limp, it feels so good to be outside and moving! I even tried a few steps of running, but my ankle quickly put that to a stop! I was told by an ankle specialist I would never be able to run again unless I wanted to do permanent and irreversible damage, so I did what all runners would do and I got a second opinion and I'm now currently waiting for a fresh MRI to get the final say from the second doc, but he sounded much more hopeful. So I am holding on tight to that hope with lots of faith and prayers while I wear this awesome shirt to keep me inspired while on this long road back to Boston! Thanks again! #ibelieveinmiracles #BostonBuddiesarethebest

This was on my personal page: (basically the same)

A big shout out and thank you to Vince Varallo and the Boston Buddies on the Boston Marathon Training page for sending me this awesome tank. They have been so supportive throughout this long haul and continually keep me inspired. This week marks SIX months since my accident and cancer surgery, which were three days apart. I wore this in celebration of my progress, albeit slowly, but I am able to walk 3-4 miles once or twice a week and even though it's still with pain and a limp, it feels so good to be outside and moving! I even tried a few steps of running, but my ankle quickly put that to a stop! I was told by an ankle specialist I would never be able to run again unless I wanted to do permanent and irreversible damage, so I did what all runners would do and I got a second opinion and I'm now currently waiting for a fresh MRI to get the final say from the second doc, but he sounded much more hopeful. So I am holding on tight to that hope with lots of faith and prayers while I wear this awesome shirt to keep me inspired while on this long road back to Boston! Thanks again! #ibelieveinmiracles #BostonBuddiesarethebest

I also had my PT this morning.  It went well. I am still at a 1 cold and -3 warm.  My flexion is back to 155-156.  He is happy about that.  Not as happy as I am though!  I picked up Carson from gymnastics.  He is so cute!

We came home and Grammy and Grampy stopped by. My Dad went to the apt to work on something electrical and we just hung out here. We then went to Old Grist.  Carson got ice cream. It was fun but he got pretty tired and cranky.  He had to take a nap when we got back. Sky was gone working late.  I sure am grateful for my parents.  They make life so much fun!

dear tuesday, 

TAYLOR GOT ACCEPTED INTO MEDICAL SCHOOL!!!  YIPPEE!  

The school is Pacific Northwest and it is in Yakima Washington.  Kinda far, but not too bad!! 

He was on the wait list and they called him and accepted him. I don't know how they couldn't because his resume is unreal!  It's truly unreal!  He is more than qualified!  I am so proud of that boy.  He will do amazing and will be an incredible doc. He has orientation on Aug 6th!  His return flight is Aug 16th so he will have to adjust that.  WOW!! I am so excited for him!  But on the other hand I am also kind of sad because I will miss that boy so much.  He is so much fun to have around and there will be a huge hole.  BUT, I am so glad he doesn't have to wait another year.  I am wee bit concerned he's not married yet, because there is just NO time in medical school for a social life. NONE.  I know!  I rarely saw Dave.  He studied ALL.THE.TIME.  But, I am sure Heavenly Father has a plan and it will all work out. The cute girl he has been dating is from Portland which is only 3 hours away.  hehe  I know, I need to stay out of it. LOL  

Today I had to be at the Hunstman in Farmington by 8 a.m. for my appt with my oncologist Dr. Henry.  Dave had to work. I met with her and she is moving in a month to Michigan. Sigh. Oh well.  Hopefully, the new doc will be good. 

In my very sexy hospital gown.
It's such a nice facility.

We discussed the chemo pills and I told her how my wrists are so weak and she told me that is pretty normal and it will peak and then hopefully ease up some.  She examined me with her new intern in there as well as her nurse. So I am up to 31 or 32 strangers now that have seen me exposed. Hah  Sheesh.  I wish I would have asked her about the extreme tired feeling I have been having. It's not like a sleepy tired per say, but more like a zombie radiation tired.  I hope it's not a sign it's back or something.  I felt that way before I was diagnosed.  I mentioned the weight gain but she wasn't too concerned since I have been unable to run or do much anyway.  I have gained about 4 lbs since this happened.  I am trying so hard to get back down but even when I barely eat anything, I can't lose it. SO frustrating!  Mostly because I don't each much.  It's partly no running, menopause, and the pills I'm sure.  Oh, the joys of being a woman!  But I trust me, I am grateful that's what I am.
I had a couple hours before my harp lesson and so I shopped at Station Park. I hit Harmons, Ross, Home Goods, and Marshalls.  Love shopping there.  I had a pretty short harp lesson but it went well.  I haven't had time to practice much lately.  Carson likes me to do stuff with him most of the day.  I do try.  I hit Costco after.  I came home and no one was here.  They were at the apt. They came home and Sky and Sarah headed to the Crater and Carson and I hung out. We watched a movie while I did my PT.  I made chicken stroganoff for the first time because I was out of beef.  It was fabulous!  And I made more cookies.  I was so good and only had a teeny tiny bit.  The smell of fresh baked cookies is one of the best smells on the planet!  Talk about will power!  LOL

This is the Clematis at my parent's home.

dear wednesday, today I headed to the park and walked with Robin. She told me some very bad news.  Her knee has been bothering her a lot and she had an x-ray done and the doc told her that it is almost bone on bone she should not run again. WHAT?!  How is this happening to both of us at the same time?  I have to say I was very sad and can't believe it.  I am not sure how to wrap my head around it.  I told her we need to start WALKING races.  Only for walkers and they get medals and awards in their age divisions. Maybe that is our destiny!  hah I went to PT even though I didn't have an appt and worked out on the machines. I am going to try to do that at least twice each week besides my regular appt.  I need to get this leg back!  My knee is doing better but my ankle and even my foot is really painful lately.  That is why I am still limping.  Ugh. Talked to Rob about Robin. Then I came home and had to shower again because I really worked up a sweat!  No one was here and so I took advantage and worked on my talk and blog.  Sky and crew were working on the apt. It is so much work!  And there is still SO much to do! 

Carson and I met Grammy at the movies and saw the cute movie "Dog Days". It was sad. I cried!  But really good.  We then went to Maddox and sat outside and shared a shake and mini burger and fries. We had fun. Carson is so full of life and fun.  We came home and I worked on the blog. I need to catch up! Story of my life.

We took these because it was a great photo opp!  No, we did NOT see this movie, though I want to!

I have a new thing I am putting in my talk.  I'm calling it the Gratitude Flip.  When feeling irritated with someone or something think of what your life would be like without them in it.  What about laundry? With no laundry, we  would have no clothes. With no dishes, no family members to do dishes for. With no spouse, life would be so different.  Or maybe I will change it to the Gratitude Sprint...since I'm a runner.  I want it to represent that if we hurry really fast and get out the negative and replace it with something positive we are grateful for, we can change things FAST!  

dear thursday, today I headed out and got in 3 miles.  

My ankle was feeling great today. It hasn't been the past few days and so I was very happy.  Walking is still very painful and it took all I had to get in those three miles.  I actually found some coins!  

I came home and I was alone.  They had gone to work on the apartment.  I showered and then worked on my talk that I am not planning on giving...and then this blog. I am finally getting a bit more caught up!  I took pizza and breadsticks to them at the apartment and brought Carson home with me. We cleaned the playroom and then watched a movie while I made dinner for Dave's parents. Dave smoked some pork chops earlier and they were great!  I made cookies and rolls and potatoes as well.  

They are getting close to painting finally.  That apartment has been so much work!  Dave really needs to replace the cabinets but he won't budge.  We are not seeing eye to eye on that at all because now the flooring and carpet won't match because they don't make anything to match orange wood. Frustrating.   I feel bad I wasn't able to play with Carson much today. He's such a great kid. 

dear friday, today I went to the PT gym early about 7:45 a.m.  There was no one there.  Seriously, not one bed had a patient on it.  But, I liked it that way.  I worked hard for over an hour and really worked up a sweat!  

Doing the hamstring curl.

I chatted with Rob and with Darin. I told Darin about Robin and we chatted about doing speed walking. I told him I want to start walk races.  He thought that sounded like a great idea.  I came home and hung out with Carson.  He helped me do my hair.  AKA...played with it and put all kinds of clips in it etc.  He loves to do that.  

We also played with Scratchers for a bit and tried to get some photos of him.  He was not cooperating.  Man, I love that cat! He is so beautiful!  Stunningly so.

 So is this gorgeous pot in my backyard!  I love the colors!

Today was really chilly!  It's the first day of summer too but feels like fall or early spring.   I had an ultrasound today to see if my blood clots are gone. It's been six months and it's time to stop the blood thinners if they are gone.  They are!  Whew!!!  Those things were so painful and I am glad they have taken a hike!  They are not welcome back either.  They give you some really sexy shorts to wear.  I was laughing so hard!

I ran to Walmart after and ran in to so many peeps.  Joy H's dil, Sheila L., and someone else but I forgot already. I bought a big bag of taffy for the YW at camp tonight.  

We took off as soon as Dave got home. I text Joy earlier today and told her that I think it would detract from Tricia's talk if I also spoke.  It really would and there won't be enough time and so I basically told her to let me know if they have another time and I would be happy to do it then.  I sewed a blanket that was falling apart on the way up.  It was freezing up there!  They were at Camp Lamia.  It is gorgeous but so chilly.

The temps got below 30 last night.  I am kinda glad I wasn't there this year.  Brrr...  We ate dinner and sat by the Hollingsworths.  Then we played with some hummingbirds.

They would come right up to you and eat right out of your hand.  So fun!  Then they did some songs and other camp stuff and it was fun and then Tricia spoke.  She did a great job.  The interesting thing is so much of what she talked about is what I had planned to say as well.  It doesn't really matter who the speaker is, only what the message is.  It was a testimony builder to me.  I also was given an impression of WHY the talk came so quickly for me.  Not because I was going to give it, but because I was NOT. Heavenly Father knew that in the end I wouldn't be giving it and he saved me the time and stress of preparing it.  So He just downloaded it to me.  Talk about a blessing.  Dave spoke after Tricia.  He did great. Everyone is always telling me how they love his remarks and he always knows just what to say and in the perfect way.  He does a great job.  We then headed to our ward's camp for dessert and testimony meeting. We weren't going to stay but ended up staying.  Tammy S. sat next to me and she is such a hoot!  I love that woman.  We have some great camp memories. She is a riot.  

I bore my testimony and talked about how I was asked to be the back up speaker and how my talk was so similar to hers because HF wants them to know those things and I talked about how they feel they have to be perfect but they don't and no matter what they do they still are of the same worth. Maybe not as worthy but never less worth...or worth less.  And about how I learned some things through my recent challenges...namely that HF knows who I am and how I felt His love so strongly for me during that time and that He wasn't punishing me but strengthening me because that's how we grow.  And that gratitude is a magical thing and how we can instantly change the way we feel by doing a gratitude flip.  I talked about loving camp pranks and how I wanted so bad to bring one up (namely a food something or other) but I have to be a good example now that I am the SP wife. LOL  Chris was worried about the taffy because she remembers the Oreos I brought up a few years that had toothpaste in the middle. LOL   I also covered sponges in chocolate frosting and everyone thought they were brownies until the first bite. Hehe  Oh such good memories!  But none better than when Jen and I put night crawlers in Breanne's and Jackie's water bottles.  But that was only after they put anchovies in our punch!  LOL  I have many others that I won't go into right now, but suffice it to say, I LOVE pranks! Especially at girl's camp!  Tammy said there had not been one single prank the entire time. WHAT?  That seems so wrong!  I need to get back in YW and change that.  JK (kind of).  Almost all the girls bore their testimonies. There were about five I didn't even know because they aren't active. So cool they got them to come to camp. It was almost 10 pm when we left.  We were both so tired on the long drive home.  

dear saturday, it was so cold this a.m.  Carson came in my room and I was still in bed and so tired. Dave left at 4:45 a.m. and I couldn't go back to sleep!  Ugh.  I didn't get to bed until midnight and so I was a zombie!  I came down and made hot cocoa for me and Carson because we were FREEZING!!!  Brrr....  Yesterday was the first official day of summer and we are freezing AND drinking hot chocolate!  Robin text me to see if I was going on a walk.  I met her and we ended up going 4.3 and so I finished it up to 5 because she had to go get Grant.  FIVE MILES!!!  That's a first for me in over SIX months!!! I was pretty excited and best news is my ankle felt so good today. Last week, it was struggling!  Yippee!  

HIGH FIVE!!!  I got in FIVE MILES!!!

I am worried about Mr. Cat.  He is acting like he's not feeling well.  He's still doing that thing where his stomach goes crazy and raises and he just cries. It breaks my heart. I am going to have to get him into another vet because the first one had no clue.  I just love that boy.  Carson wanted to stay with me while Sarah and Sky went and painted at the apartment.  We did some weeding and pruning the yard. He was a big help. He truly is a huge help no matter what he helps me with.  Most kids that age try but aren't much help. He really does.  It was still chilly.  

I actually got to chat with Bryce today.  He is trying to sell the light park hopefully.  His back is still bothering him like crazy. He is too young. I feel so bad.  I love this picture of Sky and Carson.  Sky is so amazing with him. I am constantly in awe of what a good dad he is to him.  It warms my heart.

Dave and I went to Matt and Sally Bitner's daughter reception in Deweyville.  It was a nice one. They have nine kids and are such an amazing family. All of their kids are outstanding. Yes, all nine.  But they are pretty awesome too.  Matt introduced Dave and I. I served with Matt on LDSSA at the Institute and Dave and him played basketball together.  Dave was eating Tuesday Lunch with Matt when I was in charge of it and he asked Matt who I was and to line us up and the rest is history.  LOL  

They had macarons for refreshments and I had to indulge a taste. I have been cutting out sugar the past few days and going to for a week or so because I HAVE to get back to my weight I was at before all this craziness happened. It's hard without running, but I have always been able to if I just cut out sugar and carbs for a week or two. Sounds like pure torture.  NOT my idea of fun because I love sugar and my treats, but I also am hating this extra weight. It's only 4-5 lbs, and to most people that sounds like nothing, but to me, that is huge. It really is and it is SO hard to lose. It's like my body wants a set weight and it won't budge no matter how few calories I consume. I was even only eating 800 calories and it wasn't budging.  But, I am going to really try hard to cut back on the sweets and hopefully things will get back. Whenever I trained for a full marathon I would always gain at least 3-4 lbs.  Weird, I know but very common. So I am used to doing this because I always did the week before a marathon so I wouldn't feel so bleh. 

dear sunday, we went to church and it was pretty packed due to James L. homecoming.  I chatted after sacrament with Jen and others who were there.  I didn't have to teach Primary today but I went and we only had three kids.  Not sure why when I teach we have 6 or 7, but that's okay. LOL  We came home and Sky and Sarah were enjoying the hammock.  

It was a gorgeous day, not too hot and not too cool.  After dinner, Carson and I walked to Bunderson so he could play on the playground and we could swing. He played with some kids that were there. A cute little girl who was swinging said to me, "Hey lady, will you push me?" I was happy to.  

Then Carson and I sat on the steps and had a deep conversation. I am not sure how it got started but he started talking about how much he misses Chayden and his Cali family and how his dad doesn't even write him or call and doesn't care about him. I told him he does care about him but he is probably scared to get too close because he lives so far away and that is hard for him to not see him more. It was so sad. He had the saddest look and I could tell it was so painful for him and he just doesn't understand.  Who does?  Life is so hard sometimes.  

Sure do love this little man.  He is the sweetest thing alive!  We then went on one of the jungle gyms and then I said it was time to go but he told me that he wanted to go back and sit on the stairs and talk some more. I figured he had more he wanted to express and so we did.  I love that sweet little thing more than words can say.  I couldn't love him more if he were my own. I consider him my own grandchild in every way.  What a blessing he is in our lives and everyone that knows him.  His dad is an idiot for not having him a part of his life.  Sorry, but it's true. WHO wouldn't want Carson in their life? He is nothing but pure joy and love. 

But this guy MORE than makes up for it!!!

dear random, a few more pix I was sent from Taylor's Lake Powell trip with the cousins.

This popped up on my FB memories.  Seems like an eternity ago!

This was posted on FB and so I answered it here (not there)... 

Marriages... 1
Divorces ... 0
Proposals... 4
Children.....5 boys
Surgeries... 4
Piercings... 2
Tattoos... 3 (radiation tattoos)
Been in a tornado....... No
Been in a hurricane..... No 

Been in a monsoon......Yes (while running the 2018 Marathon!)
Shot a gun... Yes
Been shot at... No
Quit a job... Yes 
Served in military....... No 
Ever been on news... Yes
Been to an island... Yes 
Snorkeling in the ocean ... Yes
Flown in a plane..........Yes
Farthest distance traveled....Amsterdam 
100 mph in a car...........Yes
120 mph in a car.......... Yes
140 mph in a car..........No
Crashed a car.............. Yes
Been in a fist fight........No
Hit a deer.................... . No

Fallen in love... Yes
Shaved your head... No
Watched someone give birth... Yes
Watched someone die...... Yes 😢 
Been to Canada...Yes
Ridden in an ambulance....No
Visited Las Vegas............. Yes 
Sang karaoke......Yes
Rode a jet ski...... Yes
Been downhill skiing.....Yes
Been water skiing ....Yes
Ice skating............... Yes 
Surfing............. Yes
Ridden on motorcycle... Yes
Ridden on a horse.......... Yes
Almost died.....................Yes
Stayed in a hospital........ Yes
Ridden in back of police car... No
Oklahoma City? ............No
Went sky diving............ Yes
Parasailing...................No
Glider ... No
Eaten Iguana... No!!!
Volunteered ... Yes

dear quotes,

*Monday Memos* (McKay's Homecoming Version)

*MONDAY MEMOS*

   

 (If pictures are too small, just click to enlarge) 
Weekly recap of my rather crazy, insane, but fun and rewarding life!

dear monday, I wrote up a very long list of things that need to get done this week in order to be ready for McKay's homecoming. I usually have a lot more time to get things done, but due to him surprising us in coming home so early, I had a long, long list. 

I drove to cemetery to clean up the things on Tyson's grave. It was cold!  I came home and then went on a run.  I also did my PT while I was out.  Not sure if it's helping.  I cleaned the basement today and recruited McKay and Sky's help.  It got really hot by the afternoon and I was glad I was working in the cool basement!  It's so good to have that kid home!  He headed off fishing with some buds tonight. Meanwhile Sky made my fave chocolate pudding cake!  Mmm........  I was trying to be good, but I succumbed and had some! 

dear tuesday,  I got up and got in my run. It was hot!  I came home and practiced my harp and then got ready and headed to my lesson. It wasn't until noon today.  After my lesson I headed to Karen's to borrow her chairs.  Aubrey and Mickey were there and so I stayed and hung out with them for a while.  It was fun.  I then ran a bunch of errands including Costco. While there, another cart rammed into mine.  It was Scott. He was trying to get my attention because I was so focused on getting out of there fast.  That didn't happen.  I think I talked to him for at least 30 minutes.  I also had to hit Home Depot and several other places.  Dave had meetings.

The boat Scott told me I needed to buy for Alaska.  Yeah, that would be fun trying to get it there!  Hmm....

dear wednesday, oh man, it was another hot one today! It was actually National Running Day but I didn't do anything to celebrate it other than run.  I ran to the high school but I didn't find a single coin.  That might be the first time running there that I didn't find one! 

The track has been totally demolished.  Ugh!

We had some crazy wind last night as you can see by this tree in my hood.

I saw this gorgeous butterfly!  It's the little things in life that are the best.

I had an Ortho appt and I am still going on my aligners. I really want to be done with these things but I also want my teeth to be exactly how I want them after enduring them this long.  I came home and got going on my list.  Mainly cleaning.  I also painted the top of the hutch.  There was a swing on our street that the neighbors left out with a FREE sign and I had the boys go haul it up so we could have it for the Homecoming because I am worried about having enough seating and it was in great shape. I just needed to spray paint the wicker.  I chose to do it in navy.  It turned out nice!  Taylor called and he is happy and still enjoying paradise.  Mitchell stopped by and brought cookies.  He is such a cute kid.  He told me to get McKay to ask out his sister.  That would be awesome if he does.  I still haven't been sleeping well.  :( 
McKay's homecoming picture was in the paper today.  Hard to believe he is really home!


dear thursday, I ran out west.  I love going way out there because there is hardly any people.  It was another scorcher!  

I spent the day cleaning and fixing things.  I have also been feeding the neighbor's cat.  She has taken off though.  Hopefully she is okay.  She's an outside cat, so I am sure she is just hiding from me.   I went to Corinne to pick up the pulled pork for the homecoming.  It was a pretty good deal and so I decided to buy it instead of make it. Cleaning is not for the weak.  It never took me this long to get my whole house ready for something like this when my boys were younger because they ALL had many chores that they did every day and so I was much more on top of things then.  Now, every single thing is pretty much up to me to do.  I did put the boys to work, but mostly the big things outside and their rooms. I went visiting teaching tonight as well. I really need to get my camera fixed on my phone.  It doesn't take crisp photos at all.  Especially indoors.

dear friday, I was going to do my long run, but I had too much to do today so I only got in five miles.  Even though I keep working like a Banshee it doesn't seem like the list is getting any shorter. *Sidenote:  I actually wrote working like a Bangee and then I thought I better be sure I spelled it right.  GOOD THING I checked because the way I spelled it is NOT how I was working!  LOL  Look it up!    I spent a LOT of time in the yard today trimming bushes and trees and cutting back overgrowth.  Luckily, I didn't see a snake or it would be the last I would be out there!  It was SO hot!  But it needed to get done and Dave is so busy at work right now and with church.  Bryce is working constantly for Dave's dad and the neighbors who are moving doing handy work for them and McKay has been working a lot as well.  It's crazy when your kids grow up, they have lives of their own and you are left to the entire yard and house.  I see why so many people downsize. It's almost a necessity!  Not sure how we will keep it up with just the two of us one of these days because the boys still do a lot.

I have been feeding two of our friend's cats this week.  Zoe has quite the set up as a litter box. It's more of a porta potty for cats. It's high tech and fun to operate.  They also have the most amazing fish tank.  Check out those colors!  I enjoy feeding other's pets. I love animals so much I could do it as a full time job. Hah

When Dave got home, we headed up to our Stake Girl's Camp.  He was asked to speak and they invited us for dinner as well.  They served Hawaiian Haystacks!  Yum!  It was fun to see everyone.  Everyone was so nice and made us feel so welcome. Robin and Grant were there as well.  

I love girl's camp.  I told Johnny (our new Bishop) that I kinda miss it!  Oops!  He told me that is good to know.  Not sure I miss it THAT much!  hah  

We sat by the Hollingsworth's and Mont loves Dave.  He just takes to him and is so cute how he just stares so sweetly at him.

While Dave was speaking, Mont walked up to the podium like he was going to reach up to him to pick him up, but when Dave said Mont's name over the speaker, it scared him and he ran back. It was so cute.

He gave a great talk.  He is very gifted at speaking.

We then went to our ward's testimony meeting. They were combined with the 12th ward.  It was so cold!  The wind was blowing like crazy and it got really chilly.  Kim brought me his blanket. He is such a nice guy.  I was seriously freezing and would not have been a happy camper without it. Hah   I made a huge batch of caramel corn to take up there from Dave and I.  They ate it around the campfire at testimony meeting. 

The theme was ASK.  It stood for something different each day.  Always Seek Knowledge was the day we were there.   We left before the meeting ended because it was still going strong at 10 pm.  

dear saturday, I got dressed to run but got working and never made it out on my run. I cleaned windows instead.  Fun.  I had a professional come but he was trying to charge me double what he did last time and so I only had him do the high scary ones. I did the rest.  And........it's going to rain Tuesday.  Great. Oh well.  Such is life.  

I spent the entire day baking for the homecoming, cleaning, organizing, cleaning, gathering tables and chairs, cleaning, and cleaning.  My house is way too big for one person to try to have spotless all at the same time.  I was exhausted.  I even had a little meltdown when we couldn't find the touch up paint for the house.  Luckily, Bryce came to the rescue and found it.  That kid misses nothing!  We had all looked everywhere!  I mentioned it to him and within minutes he found it!  No idea how he does that but he has always been the most observant person I know.  It's like he has a built in radar.  

We had a wedding reception in Perry to go to and so we cleaned up for that and then came home and kept working.  It's a lot of work to throw together a full meal in your home (and yard) for 60-80 people.  It's like doing a ward party by yourself.  That is how I felt.

dear photo overload, I took these pix of McKay for the local paper to announce his return.  I was going to just add my favorite but realized they are all my favorite. I haven't seen this guy for two years so I can get away with posting them all.  Each one is a bit different but I love them all!

I so love this good looking boy!  And I am SO SO SO happy he is home safe and sound!

dear mckay's homecoming, I got up early (5:45) and began Russian around to get ready for the big day!  I went outside and started to set up the tables and chairs.  The wind was blowing like crazy! I had to tape things down. Once again, I felt like I was setting for a ward party by myself.  Dave got home about 9 a.m. and helped me. 

I think the yard is looking nice.  Check out the swing I painted and added seat covers to.  Not bad for free!   I love the flowers!

My parents stopped by right before church.  We then headed over and saved some seats.  It was also Jame's Lindsey's farewell and so I knew it would be a full house.  Most all of Dave's family came and mine as well.  It was full.  McKay did an 

A M A Z I N G

 job!  It was one of the best homecoming talks I have heard.  Man, he is so grown up and speaks so articulately.  He was funny, interesting, spiritual, cute, and just did a great job. I was so proud of him.  And hearing him speak in Russian always gives me chills.  I have no idea how he ever learned that language.  He is such a fun and cute kid.  I had so many people come up and tell me how good looking he is and how he has truly become a man.  I couldn't have been more proud of him.  It was so fun to talk to all the people that came to hear him speak.  The Connolly's, the Parsons, several missionary moms who boys are serving in Russia (now in the US).  And several of his Russian companions.  Elder Brower (MTC comp), Elder Lyman (trainer), Elder Bodily (from our city), Elder Crabbe (comp), Elder Parry (just assigned as very last comp when learned they were dissolving the mission), and Sister....I forgot her name.

I told them to do a serious pose for Elder De Sandre (still in Russia) but McKay and Elder Lyman could NOT keep a straight face for even a second.  These guys sure do have a lot of fun together.  They were talking for almost an hour after the meeting.  It did my heart good.  I tried to get them to come over even though McKay had to stay for the block, but they didn't.  

They were so fun to watch.  McKay was laughing so hard.  He loves them and they love him.  

I actually got a serious one for Elder De Sandre after all.

My parents and bro's fam were already at my house when I got home.  I finished setting everything up and then we waited for the rest to come.  

Some of the stuff McKay brought home.

The food...

The guest of honor:

Mostly cousins.... with Chris and Aub's boyfriend.

Isaac wearing some of the Russian souvenirs.

One of these is my brother...  just not sure which one.  hah

With my cute Mama.  She had me laughing all day.  She is so funny.

Sky and his mini me Isaac.

Carolyn and I look like we are doing some kind of a play or dance.  Made me laugh.

THIS....my favorite photo of the entire day!

With the grandparents

With the fam....

The bros..... minus Taylor (I'm sure Tyson is hovering in there somewhere)

Weston is holding the stick pix of Taylor in the top left.  Love it.

A couple of proud parents! 

It was a lively bunch.  It was also hot and we had very little shade.  But everyone seemed to manage okay.  I was EXHAUSTED by the time everyone left.  

But it was worth it all!

We did seriously miss this guy though!

dear flashback, my friend Lynda W stopped by and brought this cute photo of McKay and his pals when they were about five years old!  How cute is this?  McKay is the one in the middle with the navy blue and red shirt on.  Several of these are now serving or did serve missions.

 These popped up on my Facebook memories this week.  CRAZY!  These are of Taylor.

These also popped up of McKay!  Dances, graduation, seminary graduation!  Then he was gone!  Just like that!  So glad he's back!

dear random, SHE'S BACK!  And with a vengeance!

This is a new candy bar and OH MY HECK, it's soooooo good!

I love this that my friend Brooke made, but I need to get the vinyl fixed on it.