At the Airport saying goodbye

Keith has gone to Brazil

I think my sadness is in control now enough to write about Keith leaving on his mission. Two weeks ago we had his farewell. He gave an awesome talk, he is such a great kid. We also had a really fun gathering at our house afterward. The food turned out pretty well even though I stressed out about not having enough. I had double what I needed. Maybe it wasn't all that good after all! I would call it a celestial weekend. It was so great to all be together. Tuesday when Keith left, was really an emotional day. It is such a sacrifice to send your son away. I fixated on sending my little boy(really not so little) to a foreign country where he would be lost and alone with no money and unable to communicate. Reality was, there were other missionaries on his plane to Texas and even more from Texas to Brazil. They DID not get forgotten at the airport ( Like in the Other Side of Heaven). I got an email from the MTC on Wednesday that he got there and that they had food and medical care and senior missionaries to love them. It's going to be fine. We have even received two letters and an email this week.

My week alone

I have been looking forward to this week every since I figured out a way to NOT go on the BIG motorcycle trip. Bart and Keith went up to the Canadian border and I got to stay home. Yeah They even took a tent and sleeping bags to pretend they were cowboys on horses or something. I had really big plans while they were in the wild west, but today is Wednesday and mostly I've had the flu. I did make a new temple dress (skirt) which turned out crummy. I guess I pictured myself a lot younger and without my little tummy. My mom says just get a long blouse.

I did get to the library to borrow some books on CD to listen to while I clean the house but everytime I get it all set up the phone rings. Oh well. Jenna and Matt got moved to Indianna. They are setting up their house. I really miss them. DeAnn is coming for a visit in a week though and we are going to have so much fun. I can't wait to see Brianna, Brian and Ben. Oh I almost forgot the really BIG news is Keith received his mission call last week. He is going to Brazil. The same mission as Ryan Baker is in right now. They are so excited to be in the same mission. He leaves here for Brazil on Sep 30. That is why this summer is so busy. Michael and Heather are also moving next week they bought a house about 15 min away.

Trip to Cinders with Bart and Randi

Annie and Opa relaxing in the motorhome.

Annie eating oreos. Grandma's favorite.

Watching videos Bartel, Chloe, Annie

Bart and Randi

Mother's Day 2

My kids all came over for Sunday Dinner which was Mexican Tacos from out local mexican market. Bart did the grilling. With guacamole and authentic salsa it was so good. Jenna wouldn't let me in the kitchen all day. She set everything up and cleaned up. Here Keith, Jenna and Matt are cutting strawberries for the shortcake.The best part was all the nice notes my kids wrote. Also, the cute picture of my Pennsylvannia grandkids.

Mother's Day

Bartel's mom Randi. She has even got some bling bling.

Randi was out of town so I went to Bartel's Mother's Day Program at school. It was so fun. I was treated royally. Bartel in pics with his best buddies.

Bart calls it his badge of honor

We just got back from a Southern Utah and Colorado motorcycle trip with our friends the Parkinsons. We met in Panguitch Utah then rode through Boulder Mountain. The next day to Cortez Co. The next day to Telluride Co through Durango and back to Cortez. This is in from of the cliffs and Mesa Verde National Park where we looked at the Indian ruins of dwellings built in cliffs. We look a little chubby because we are and also it was cold and I'm wearing 6 layers to stay warm.

Bart burned his leg on his Harley pipes and called it his badge of honor. He loves his motorcycle. It has taken about a month to heal. He wears pants now when riding.