What the Heck was I thinking?

I am notorious for starting projects that I think won't take too long and end up being just the opposite..projects I start and think...what the heck was I thinkin-and my kids start asking the same question. Yes, I admit the idea of cleaning our windows was a little much for a simple afternoon job!!

After a couple hours I realized this was too much for one day... So 5 windows down and 10+more to go! :) At least we had a good time oh yes and as soon as we did the basement windows workers came and cut the cement sidewalk next to our house and blew the dust in the direction of our clean windows and the rain today didn't help much either- LOVELY! :)One of those laugh at yourself moments!!

And the Countdown Begins!!...

For Months Carson has been asking "How many more days til my birthday?" and once he realized he got Baptized 6 days after his birthday the question changed to "how many more days til I get Baptized?" I found this cute idea of a countdown chart from Melissa and Laura. Thanks gals for letting me copy :) It was a lot of fun to make and he loves it and is so excited!

I am so proud of Carson. He truly is an amazing little man. I can say that because he is my son right? He is always the one up at 7:00am Sunday morning with his dress clothes on and ready for church! He goes to sleep at night listening to his scripture tapes, and this was his choice. Okay well, when he was little I introduced the idea but it was his choice recently to listen to them again. He is such a quite soft spoken kid yet when you get him to start talking he has deep understanding. Now don't get me wrong, he can be very stubborn!! So our goal is to channel that stubborness into standing up for what is right. Steadfast and immovable! :) I am so excited for Carson's Big Day....27days left!

Elder Nathan Randall Enters the Missionary Training Center

The farewell was wonderful, but even better was Tuesday night when we all met at mom and dad's to witness Nathan being set apart as a Missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Some might see it crazy that one family can spend so much time together, but I love being with my family-all of them!! I love to hear the cousins playing together and just all of the siblings (I include my inlaws), mom and dad sitting around talking, laughing and just being together. This night was extra special, as we listened to Nate share a favorite scripture that described his mission. John 12 :24-26- And while we were waiting for the stake president to come we gathered together and sang hymns. Mostly in an attempt to get the children calmed down and reverent, but spiritual none the less. I was grateful for the chance we got to go around the room and tell Nate qualities and characteristics that we admired about him. He is an amazing man!

The children got to say goodbye to Nate that night and that was so hard to see. I know that there is nothing better for him to be doing at this time, and I try to stay positive, it is still okay to say...we are going to miss him. My brother Matt said it best when he said that Nate is and has always been the calming influence in our family, and we will miss having him around. But he is not "gone" we will still feel him through letters, and with the example that he is setting for all of us! He has been an amazing example for my children, one who is always there for them, that is why they struggled with saying good-bye! I tried to reassure my kids that 2 years will fly by and he will be home before we know it! :)

We headed for Provo Wednesday morning and we ate our last lunch together (for 2 yrs. anyway:) at Chili's and then onto the MTC. I can't believe that the day is finally here. As sad as I was to say goodbye I cried also because I was so happy for him. You could see how excited he was to be there! He just kept smiling. I was touched when we were in the chapel and the MTC Presidents wife talked about the missionaries names being on the name tag with Christ's name and to remember that Christ is who they are representing. I looked over at Nate and he looked down at his name tag and smiled. I am so proud of who he is and who he will become because of this experience! I am so grateful I was able to be there with my family and share in this memory! I love you all!