Catching Up -- Out Two Months!

Wow, it's hard to believe that a month has gone by.  I wish I were better at picking little things out of our lives and making them very poignant or funny in a blog post, but I'm not.  My strength as an English major was literary analysis, not creative writing, so alas, I'm a little boring, I guess.  But man, can I ever write a critique, edit someone else's work, or proofread. . . :-)

So Dalin has been out almost two months.  His letters are all very upbeat and tell of the work he seems to be constantly involved in.  He says he absolutely loves what he is doing, but I get the feeling he is frustrated with how slowly he perceives his Spanish coming along.  I have to remind him that most foreign language-speaking missionaries say that they are in the field a good 3 - 6 months before they are close to comfortable with the language, and they have spent 9 weeks in the MTC learning it before they go into the field.  Hopefully he will continue to gain confidence in his teaching ability.  His mission president's wife told me that he has already started teaching in Spanish and that she is very impressed with how hard he is working and how well he is learning.

Wait, why did I have occasion to speak with Sister Donaldsen, the mission president's wife, you ask?  I got a call at about 9:00 a.m. on April 8 from Sis. D. telling me that Dalin had been up all night having chest pains, so because of his high blood pressure and family history, they had sent him to the urgent care to get checked out.  Now I know how hard it was for Dalin when his dad had a heart attack last year, and I also know that he has been very vigilant since then about eating better, exercising, and taking his meds.  So at this point, I am sure Dalin is scared and pretty freaked out.  I hated that I couldn't be with him.  Turned out the urgent care sent him on to the hospital to get further testing, and an EKG, stress test, several blood pressure checks, and a mom's terrible day later, we learned at about 6:00 p.m. that he was doing ok.  It seems that his blood pressure was not stable and was causing angina.  The doctor there put him on an additional high blood pressure med, so now my 19-year-old son takes two pills for HBP.  Bummer.  Better safe that sorry, though.  Sister D had called a few times during the day to update me, and then after I talked to her the last time, Dalin called.  It was so wonderful to hear his voice after a verrrryyyyy long day of worrying and praying . . . .even if he sounded a little perterbed at having to disturb his work further to call and reassure his mom.  :)  I'm telling you, you never want a call from the mission president's wife.  From what I've heard and know, it's not usually good news.  I did get to hear from her what a great missionary Dalin is, though, and how much they like him.  I guess that was good.

So far, Dalin is still with Elder Esplin in the Santee 5th Branch.  I will keep everyone updated on his progress and goings-on.  I miss him like crazy, but I am very much at peace at the same time.  He is a good boy.  (Wish I had a current picture of him to post, but he is not very good about things like that.  In fact, his letters are usually about three paragraphs of bare bones, so we are lucky just to know he is alive!)

Elder Update

I wrote in the last post that we had spoken with Dalin yesterday morning.  We were hoping against hope that we would hear something from him or his mission president later in the day to let us know that he had arrived safely.  However, since my friend Laurie didn't hear from her son for over a week after he got to the field, I wasn't holding my breath.  We got lucky, though, because at about 5:00 I checked my e-mail and saw that Dalin's mission president had sent both a note and pictures.  In summary, Dalin arrived safely, was interviewed by the President, and then he was assigned as a Spanish-speaking missionary!  WOW!  I think he is probably happy about it, but I'm looking forward to hearing from him next week.  He was assigned to the Santee 5th Branch, about 20 miles NE of San Diego, and supposedly his trainer, Elder Esplin, is one of the best.  I certainly hope so because Dalin has his work cut out for him learning Spanish and the missionary ropes at the same time.  I know he can do it.  We're praying for him, and I'm sure he would appreciate any prayers anyone else might send up for him. :)

Elder Gunnell

It's time I posted about the experience of dropping my son off at the MTC and the events since. I think I can do it now without drowning my computer in salty stuff, thereby ruining it and having to spend a lot of money I don't have on a new one. Sigh.

Dalin gave his farewell talk in church on Feb. 22, and there were so many of our friends and family there. Thank you, everyone! He gave a wonderful talk on eternal families, and he got very emotional, which I wasn't expecting, so I guess I got a little emotional. ; ) Actually, I was crying before the meeting even started. . . . Brent's parents came from Arizona on the Friday before so they could be here for the open house on Friday evening. We had about 75 people here that night, and I could have stayed up all night visiting and reminiscing with all of these great friends. Each family brought a tie for Dalin, and we wrote their names on the back of it with a permanent marker, so when he wears it, he will remember how much that family loves him and prays for him. What a great evening!

Saturday was a play day for the boys which included shooting at the range, a flag football game, and hanging out with Brent's sister Julie and family. Monday we spent cramming two years of stuff into two suitcases (yeah for space bags!), and Tuesday we were off. We were able to go through the Draper Temple, have dinner with family, and see Dalin's wonderful friends/roommates that day, and Wednesday morning, after a night of tossing and turning for all, we drove to the MTC.

The Missionary Training Center is unlike any place on earth. There are hundreds of young men and women milling about a huge campus in suits and dresses, and the Spirit there is palpable. We took pictures outside the building, then as we walked to the front doors, the greeter said to Dalin, "Now once you go in today, you can't go back out." Dalin nodded and then just stood outside the door. We all stood with him as he prepared himself to enter and start a new phase of his life. After about three minutes, he squared his shoulders and said, "OK. Let's go." First off, he received his Elder Gunnell name tag, and I got to put it on his suit pocket. He was so tall and handsome standing there. Then we all went to a meeting with the MTC president where he explained about the MTC and what to expect for missionaries and parents. After he spoke they showed this dumb--I mean, wonderful--film about missionaries and about parents leaving them at the MTC. I'm still trying to figure out why they show a film about crying parents and siblings when we're all going to be experiencing that same thing ten minutes later. All it did was start the waterworks early. The girls had a hard time, especially Jensen. She adores her brother and will miss him sorely. I did pretty well--just a few tears, no weeping and wailing--until the final good-bye came. I cried then, but I got it under control and was ok until Dalin reached back for my hand as he walked out the door. Ok, then I totally lost it. I'm a mom! What mom wouldn't cry buckets when holding her 19-year-old's hand for the last time for two years? Part of me wanted to just pull him back into the room and into my arms, but at some point, I just had to let go. Letting go isn't all it's cracked up to be. :)

So today, my boy called from the Salt Lake airport. He is flying to San Diego now and starts his service to the Lord in California in about two hours. I am so happy for him and proud of the man he is becoming, and I can't even explain what it was like to hear his voice after a three-week fast. I can't imagine what it will be like after the seven months between Mother's Day and Christmas. I am comforted by the fact that he is excited and ready for this. He has been preparing his whole life to be an ambassador for Jesus Christ and to teach people about His love. His letters from the MTC have been full of wonder and excitement. His testimony has grown as he has listened to amazing talks by church leaders, had thorough training, and taught people the missionary lessons. He said he has never felt the Spirt of the Lord more strongly than he has the last three weeks. When we talked to him this morning, I asked him if he was worried about anything. He said he was just ready to go! Look out California, Elder Dalin Brent Gunnell has entered the field!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Wonderful Gift

This Valentines Day was my 23rd one with Brent, and since his heart attack last year, I have been especially grateful for all the holidays. I realize that Valentines Day may just be a good way for retailers to boost their bottom line, but I choose to think of it as a day to be so thankful for a wonderful man and beautiful kids. Last year I wrote about our Valentines Day tradition of decorating the table and fixing a big breakfast, complete with pink waffles and strawberries, for the kids. I was a little melancholy this year thinking that Dalin wouldn't be here for the next two, and who knows how many after that, years, but we had a terrific day. The night before the big morning, Brent and I had a very gourmet dinner with some old and very dear friends. The prime rib and company could not have been better. Thanks Nelson's, Hall's, Tanner's, Tolman's, Legg's, and Hill's for sore cheeks from laughing, an extended stomach, and lasting memories.



And then, after 23 years of thoughtful and sweet Valentines Day gifts from my husband, this year, for the first time, he gave me a gift that made me cry. The painting of Joseph and Emma Smith cuddling their new babies is exquisite. I have spent many hours studying the lives of the Smith family, and I have always loved the story behind this painting and how it depicts the wondrous love of three fathers--Heavenly Father, John Murdock, and Joseph Smith. I can only imagine Emma's joy when she was given these two beautiful babies to raise as her own having just lost her twins.
There are so few paintings out there with both Emma and Joseph, and I am passionate about the role Emma played in the beginnings of the church. I have always wanted a picture of both of them. Thank you, my sweet husband. I love you. Happy Valentines Day.

Six Already

Jensen is six! Can you believe it? Of course, if she's six, that means that Brent just turned 45 and me, 42. Wow. We figured out last weekend (by we, I mean my brother Jared, who had a good laugh over it), that Brent will be 58 when Jensen graduates from high school. I gotta tell you, though, that having a little tag-a-long child at the end has been pure joy. I think everyone should do it. Other than having to dye my hair forever so people aren't asking Jensen if I'm her Grandma, I'm looking forward to the next few years. Since I usually don't have birthday parties with friends for the kids until they are 8, I hadn't really been thinking of a party for Jensen. However, she had. The Sunday before her birthday, she invited everyone she saw at church, no matter what age, to her party. She was so excited about it, I couldn't say no. (Part of that spoiled last child thing, I know, I know. . . .) No matter how much I tried to talk her into unicorns, Jensen wanted a "horse" party. Keep in mind that it is my SIL Lauralee who is the champion kid party-thrower in our family, and her living across the US really throws me into a panic at times like these. What the heck am I going to do for a horse party? Well, thank goodness Jensen was born in the days of the worldwide web and Zurchers party store, because between the two, we had a grand party with five friends (I made her whittle down her list considerably). Thanks, Laurie, Shaina, and Rily for all of your help with the party!

We followed up the friend party with a family dinner at Chuck E. Cheese, where "kids can play while moms relax" according to Jensen and the TV. That place is kid paradise, and Jensen couldn't have been more thrilled. We left Friday for Sun Valley to see Jared and Maren, ski, sled, hang out, eat a lot, and get our teeth worked on. My baby, who is absolutely terrified of anyone doing any kind of work on her, was so brave! She had to have some fillings, and we have been talking about it for a couple of weeks, psyching her up, positive mom-talk, all of that. She had finally convinced herself that since she would be six, since she could watch a movie at Uncle Jared's office while he worked on her, and since he had something called "happy gas," she might be ok. When I peeked into the room after she was in the chair and settled, I saw her crying softly and wiping the tears away quickly, trying so hard to get through. The hygenist was very sweet and telling her that they would take good care of her and that Uncle Jared would be very careful with her. Once the movie was going, the tears stopped, and she did terrific! The worst part was afterward when she realized she was numb and it wasn't going away immediately. That's when she cried a lot. Oh well. It was a big step for her, and I was just grateful she didn't have to be sedated or strapped down or something. My baby is growing up. . . . Anyway, Happy Birthday to most of us at my house!

Inversions and Idiots

This what an inversion looks like. What's that you say? It must be early morning, late evening, or a big storm day? NOPE! It looked like this outside for about three weeks in January, and had it not finally cleared after three weeks, you would have had to write to me at my new address in Boise at the St. Michael's Institute for Mental Health. Seriously! Three weeks? It even snowed a little bit during that time, which in theory should've cleared out the crap, but no, it stayed GRAY forever. I spent three weeks praying and sitting under lights and trying not to eat myself under the table. . . .

On my birthday Wednesday the 21st, I was called in for jury duty. I had jury duty starting January 1, but of course the 21st was the first day I was called in to be questioned to possibly sit on a jury. This is my second time at jury duty in Canyon County (Brent and most of my friends have never had jury duty, mind you). I wasn't chosen for the jury the last time, so I was kind of hoping I might get a chance to see the jury process at work this time. I arrived at the court house at 8:30 and watched a short video with the other 70 or so prospectives. Then we waited to be called into the courtroom for the "voix dire" process--the jury questions. The attorneys and judge were doing pre-trial stuff, so we waited and waited and waited some more. The baliff gave us a potty break around 9:30, then we waited again. Finally at 10:15 the baliff came back into the room to tell us that the man charged with the crime had pled guilty to felony burglary, and we were all dismissed. He said that once the guy found out there was a jury panel waiting and knew that the jury would actually see the video tape of him committing the burglary, he figured he was pretty much hosed. Duh. A video tape? Why would you think you had a chance at being found not guilty in the first place if there was a tape of you ripping the place off? Ok, to be fair, Brent says that during the pre-trial the defense attorney was probably trying to get the tape excluded from evidence for some reason. I'm thinking that would have been an interesting and short trial. Kind of wish the guy would have taken his chances with the tape. . . :)

Other than that, Brent and I had a great birthday week. In fact, the whole week was a party. Thanks to friends and family who made it bearable getting older. We love you all! (A little spelling error, but the sentiment was perfect. Thanks, Cassie!)

A Little About Christmas. . .Finally

Hmmm. . . my kids are a little upset with me that I haven't done a blog post for quite some time, and Dalin says I need to put more pictures of him up since he will be gone for two years. Oh, brother. Alright, already. So here is an update from the Gunnell house on the holiday festivities.

Every year I promise myself that this December will be calm and peaceful and wonderful. I will get everything done by Thanksgiving, I will plan service projects for my family for the holiday season, and I will have hours to sit and watch the dozen or so Christmas movies that I have. Not so. . .again. This December will go on record as the craziest one ever. I only got to watch Rudolph, and I fell asleep right at the island of misfit toys with visions of spotted elephants in my head! That's kinda scary. . .

We had the traditional Christmas Eve at my mom's house with family and friends. I absolutely love Christmas Eve, and Christmas is kind of a let down after it. Jensen got to be Mary in the nativity play this year, and she was so excited. I love Christmas with children. Everything is big and wonderful and new. My favorite traditions at my mom's? My cousin Linda's stuffed mushrooms; caroling to the neighbors; hot cider afterwards; dressing the kids for the nativity; listening to the story of Christ's birth and singing carols; opening Christmas pajamas; gathering around the piano and singing the Forgotten Carols and Snoopy's Christmas with my brothers and Brent and my big kids (We added "Baby, It's Cold Outside" this year. Wow. It really was not to be missed. Cash and Jared were amazing, hee hee); staying up late and wrapping gifts with Brent, my brothers, SIL's, and mom; everyone crammed into mom's house sleeping over; and the Christmas tree with all the gifts under it, all lit up after the lights are turned off. Love it. Love the Christmas season. Can't wait for next year.
As I look back on 2008, I find that I am most grateful that Brent is healthy and well. I hope never to have a scare like we had in May. I am blessed to have such a good man and wonderful friend in the man I married. He is my heart. Also, in the last three months, two of Dalin's friends, incredible young men, have been diagnosed with serious illnesses, one with cancer and one with a brain tumor (still waiting on test results for this one). As I watch my handsome son get ready for a mission and the rest of his life, I thank the Lord that he is healthy and strong, both physically and spiritually. I am grateful that my girls are well and that I have my mom close by to lean on and cry at. My brothers and their families are a huge support, and they can make me laugh like no other. Brent's parents and siblings keep close track of us and always send their love. We love and miss them very much. I have been blessed with wonderful friends who offer constant support, give me great advice, help me with anything I need (whether I ask or not), and keep me sane. It is a blessed life we live at our house. Now, let's all rock 2009!

New Christmas Song

Remember the Christmas song from a few years ago called, "Christmas Shoes?" It was the song that holiday season that forced me to pull to the side of road and cry the first time I heard it. Well, I found that new song for 2008. It made me stop and remember what is most important at Christmas--being with my family. We are so blessed. What better way to celebrate the birth of the Savior than by spending time with the people you love? Be sure to stop the music on the playlist in the sidebar so you can hear the song on the video. I hope you enjoy. Just be grateful you're not driving right now. . . .

MISSION CALL

For those of you who haven't heard yet, Dalin received his mission call on the Thursday before Thanksgiving. We all gathered around the webcam at Nelson's house (thanks, Laur!) while Dalin sat in front of the webcam on Daniel's computer at his apartment, and we watched him open the envelope and read it. Elder Dalin Brent Gunnell has been called to serve in the California, San Diego mission, English speaking. He will enter the Missionary Training Center on February 25, 2009, and he will leave for San Diego three weeks later.

Dalin is absolutely thrilled to be serving the Lord in the city with the most perfect climate in the lower 48. He has really never cared where he went on his mission; he has just wanted to get out into the field. I half expected that he would be speaking a language somewhere in the states, but as I have thought about and prayed about this call, I know that Dalin is going where he needs to be and that he will find people there who need his testimony expressed to them in English. (Of course, the basic Spanish he speaks probably won't hurt in California!) Dalin has an incredible testimony, and when he expresses his feelings about Jesus Christ, he is humble and eloquent. I love this young man. I know the Lord will be pleased with his service.

Road trip, anyone?? (Just kidding! Kinda. . . .)

San Diego LDS Temple -- San Diego, California

Tricks, Treats, and Cool Costumes

We had a pretty low-key Halloween this year. We didn't even carve pumpkins. How lame is that?! My poor last child is really getting the shaft. On Sunday after Halloween, I heard the front door close while I was making dinner, so I went to look out the window. There was Jensen trying to heft the big pumpkin I bought for her the day after Halloween into the house so we could carve it. We will have to have Thanksgiving jack-o-lanterns this year.

Nonetheless, we had a great time with family on Friday night. The kids looked great (and so did Grammy) for trunk-or-treat at Cash and Marisa's ward building. We started with mabel burgers here at our house, a Gunnell family (as in Brent as a little boy) Halloween tradition. What's that? You've never heard of mabel burgers? Well, you are missing out. Here are mabel burgers -- a delectable conglomeration of eggs, cheese, and ham, baked on a hot dog bun. Doesn't get better!
After mabel burgers (which were named after Brent's Grandma's neighbor, Mabel), we went to trunk-or-treat then went to Sonic for 50 cent corn dogs and ice cream cones. We ended up with a little trick-or-treating in our old neighborhood where Cash and Ris still live, then home to bed in a sugar-induced coma. The weather was fantastic, and I'm a trick-or-treat die hard, so even when the kids are begging to be done, Jared and I are saying, "Come on, just one more street. You're ok." Bad, bad parents. Hey, he's a dentist, so if his kid is still out scrounging candy, so is mine! :) Other than that, Shaina marched at a football game that night, and Cassie watched movies with friends, so like I said, pretty low-key. (Cassie is the pink power ranger.)

Saturday night, October 32nd, was the annual Hill Halloween party, and the theme this year was heroes and villains. Brent and I threw something together on Saturday morning, literally, but my brothers always go all in, and they looked fantastic! I've decided that I will try to at least match their costume enthusiasm for next year, so they need to come up with a theme like, now. I need a lot of time. . . .

If you want to see more pictures of the party, go to Marisa's blog and web album.