Catching Up, Always Catching Up...

Seems like there is so many things to try and catch up on. Last time I wrote on this blog I was planning on doing it then and then life has a way of getting in there and making this not so much of a priority.  I keep Stetson's blog up to date each week faithfully which to be honest is the most important one I do.  I have also had to keep up the Biggest Loser blog due to obligations with people's money and so of course that one is done too.  So, this one is like the step child that always gets not really forgotten, but possibly neglected.

I am not even certain that I ever mentioned the fact that I am serving in the YW's as well as, the Stake YW's Girl's Camp Director.  This really is quite a busy calling and it's not until the end of June, however we have been working on it since January 1st.  And, it is starting to really take on speed.  We have an awesome theme:  Be B.R.A.V.E. it's a jungle out there.  Brave stands for Boldly, Righteous and Valiant Everyday.  I have an amazing committee and my assistant is Wendy Fenn.  Wendy has been a good friend for a long time and she has such a strong and secure testimony.  We are going have a wonderful time.  It's an awesome task to have these girls "entertained" and yet let them know how much their Heavenly Father is aware of them and help them Come Unto Christ.  Oh how I pray that I am worthy of this great task.  I have found my prayers have been so sincere and I have tried to follow the spirit and keep my thoughts and things that I watch and participate in close to what He would have me do, so that I can be worthy of inspiration.  I listen all the time, and I have heard and find that He is very aware of what is happening.  But, oh it is busy.

Here are some pictures to let the world know what we've been up to as well, because to be honest, pictures tell so much of a better story than my written word ever will.

 Wayne and I went to Brian Regan and it was so worth the money we paid.  He is such a funny, clean and awesome comedian.  I haven't laughed that hard in a very long time and I thought he was better this time than last.  I so hope he doesn't wait too long before he comes again.  Well done Brian. 

Bridger's mission companion that he met the very first day at the MTC got married at the Salt Lake Temple on February 27th and we were all invited to witness this awesome event.  These brothers definitely were meant to serve and meet each other.  They are and always be "brothers" I have always felt they were an answer to both mothers fervent prayers.
 

 Waiting for them to come out, he still will take a picture with his mom!

 Elder Gomez I told Stetson will most likely be his "Elder Peterson" like Bridger had.  They were like brothers and from the stories Stetson would tell us, they had a wonderful time together.  This last week they were transferred.  And although they were separated, they will remain friends for life.  We have received emails from Elder Gomez' family that compared them to the sons of Mosiah and that they will be reunited.  I am so hoping that will happen. 

 They put Elder Gomez' bed outside.  I'm sure it was a prank before they transferred.  Love Stetson's smile, it just radiates his happiness.  Oh how I miss him...

Caleb is my pal.  He is so much fun to hang with and sometimes I wonder if he knows just how much I worry if he really knows how much I wish he wouldn't grow up.  And yet I have no control.  He is now driving with his learner's permit and he really is a pretty good, cautious driver.  He is serving as the Teacher's Quorum President right now and doing a fine job.  I have watched him become so responsible and I couldn't be more proud.  He has such a fun, and out going personality.  I love you pal.  He was a little bummed we didn't go anywhere for Spring Break, so he and I went shopping.  Not the most ideal place, but he got some new Under Armour shorts and Vans and he seemed to be okay with it all. I think he had a good time, I know I did.  So anyway, pal, Thanks so much for just being you.  We love you so much, you are awesome!

It hardly seems possibly that a year has come and gone since we went and welcomed Elder Bridger Clayton Home from his mission.  But, honestly I can not even explain how much this hug meant to me.  It is seriously the best thing in the whole world.  You wait for them to come to earth.  But, after two years of worry, faith and prayers, when that "boy" stepped off that plane, every emotion came flooding to the surface.  I was so glad to have him home.  And, yet it's been a difficult year.  They have so much to figure out.  Being a "Rock Star" on their mission and then coming home and being just them again, is hard.  I am not sure if I prayed harder while he was over in Honduras or when he was here this last year.  But, I do think he's figuring it all out.  And, it is me, his mom that sometimes get the brunt of it all.  I'm not going anywhere I guess and he knows that.  I will love him no matter what.  He is a good man, and I couldn't be more proud of him.  He is doing just fine.  But, not going to lie, I'm glad he is home.  He learned a lot of lessons that he never could have learned from staying home, and for that I am grateful.  Love you Bridger, so much!

We started another round of The Biggest Loser.  Can this be my final round?  Can I finally be on maintenance.  We will see...  However, this has taught me that it's not about the money.  That will come and go, and quickly.  I have never won the money, and yet in some ways, I feel like the winner.  I have kept going and although it has been a long process, it is a steady, slow, continual process and I will finish...guaranteed.  

April 1st - I was 1 Year Soda Free!!!  This is huge.  All who know me, know that I have been a soda drinker since practically birth.  But, not anymore.  I feel great, and accomplished such a major hurdle.  Didn't think I could ever do it.  But, I did.  I won't go back on...at least I don't think so.  I'm afraid I have a little bit of an addictive behavior and I would fall of the wagon.  So, good ole' water is my beverage of choice, and that's perfectly fine.

The gym I go to asked for a NOW picture, so after several attempts, here it is.  I think they are going to put it on their website.  Probably to show that you can accomplish this.  Takes, time and commitment, but it can happen.  I will get there...

This is Caleb and his awesome seminary teacher Brother Layton.  For conference they gave them the choice to dress in their Sunday clothes and could bring treats *because what church activity doesn't have treats? So, I took peanut butter fingers.  He is such a great teacher.  Caleb is learning so much and many times I find him reading his scriptures and studying them all on his own.  I am so grateful for teachers such as this man.  I, myself did not have such an experience and thank my Father in Heaven for such wonderful, dedicated and devoted servants to teach our youth.  They need great mentors and people they can trust.  You, Brother Layton are one.  Thank you so much.

And, then finally the tulips have bloomed.  It seriously has been probably three years since we have seen a blossom on these.  The deer seem to dine on them regularly.  Maybe they are sick of them, I don't know.  Whatever it is I don't care.  I'm just glad to see them, they make me so happy.  Funny it is the little things that can bring happiness.  And honestly for me, it usually is.

Well, there you have it.  If there are even any who follow this anymore.  If not, that's ok, this is my journal per say anyway.  This way I get my feelings in writing and then one day they may be of value to someone.  This past week we were able to hear from our Prophet and other General Authorities.  We heard such great messages.  One in particular was from President Ucthdorf who reminds us to drink from the gratitude goblet.  I will and have.  I am so grateful for all that I have.  I hope that I remember to tell my Father thank you on a daily basis for ALL that I am blessed with, and in turn do my part to return the favor by serving Him.

Until next time, I hope it's not nearly as long...