Happy 20th Birthday Elder Clayton

Hard to believe that our 2nd boy has turned 20.  WOW!  Where in the world does the time go?  It was my prayer that somehow he would get his package, but he didn't.  I found out later that it arrived a day late.  I sent it in plenty of time, but honestly you never know just how long they take.  However, my prayers were answered as some of the members took great care of him and he said he had an awesome birthday in Mexico.  He sent a wonderful email the next week with the subject title The Best Week of my Mission.  He and his companion were able to baptize a gentle they had been working with and he was so ready.  He was one of those contacts that was ready and is already a great member missionary trying to get those less actives back to church. 
He is doing great things there and I am certain it will only get even better.  But his pictures have been so great from the start, they tell the real story.  I miss him and it's always days like their b-days that it hits even harder.  However, as I've said before, I wouldn't want them home...because they are learning things there that we cannot teach them here.  And for that I am truly grateful.

This is the collage of pictures I sent for the monthly newsletter for our ward.  Honestly, he sends the best photos.  I couldn't ask for more than that!

Five Minutes of Fame on Studio 5

I have been doing this fitness journey for quite some time now.  I am not quite finished, I'm closer than I've ever been, and I will get there, but not quite there.  However, each year KSL's Studio 5 the local network runs a little program where for 30 days they want you to try and lose 10 lbs.  Called the 10 lb Challenge.  I have signed up for the last four years.  Each day they post challenges and advice and things that will help you reach your goal, and each Friday you report in your loss.  Hoping to see 10 pounds at the end.  This year they were having a finale that you submitted your name and your results and waited to see if you were selected to go.  I was lucky enough to be chosen.  I had asked for two tickets, but only got one.  Who cares.  I'm brave enough to go alone.  So, on Friday, February 7, I went to the Bountiful Rec. Center and met Melanie Douglass and Brooke Walker who is the host of Studio 5.  Melanie is the one behind the challenge.  They were going to give out the prizes for those who had participated and met the 10 lbs, as well as run a one-hour cardio workout.  Holy cow, it was probably one of the hardest workouts I have ever done.  But, I did not die.  That is what I got out of all this.  I only lost three pounds in this 30 day event, but, being able to participate in this and live to tell was the biggest and most rewarding prize for me.

This week I will turn 49.  I have to say, this will be actually my 50th year and I am probably in the best shape of my life.  My goal is to do at least 5 5K's before I turn 50 and perhaps maybe even a half marathon.  We will see.  That one scares me a little.  I will see after the summer is over.  That's the goal I am setting today.  So for now, I have one year to see it come to pass.  Not unobtainable...keep watching, this may be interesting, entertaining, and who knows you just may want to join me.  What are you waiting for???

 Here I am with Studio 5's Brooke Walker and Melanie Douglass

 Employee of the Month for ClearLink!  Not suprised!

Bridger is working hard at ClearLink and this last month was chosen as Employee of the Month.  He is such a great young man and always put so much into everything he does.  He will be treated to a lunch with the corporate owners and CEO's and was given a $100 Visa gift card.  Proud of him and all he does.

 Happy 22nd Birthday Bridger

This year it was fun to be able to celebrate his birthday at home as for the last two years he has been in Honduras.  Funny how it used to be such a big day for them and as they get older they just want to spend it with friends and maybe have lunch or dinner.  We love him so much and want all the desires and dreams of his heart to come true. 

The members take great care of Stetson to make sure he has a Happy Birthday in Monterrey.

Two days later we always celebrate Stetson's birthday.  This year as he celebrated in Mexico, it was a true tender mercy that it was on a Monday and his Pday.  I waited all day to finally get an email and hoping that his package arrived.  I had sent it in plenty of time, but it still had not gotten there.  In tracking it, it says it is stuck in customs for some reason.  After reading his email, they are supposed to have a baptism today, Sunday, February 16, and I'm hoping that for some odd reason that maybe something in that box needed to be used for that special day instead.  I tracked it again this week and I'm sure he got it this week.  But, as you can see the members took great care of him. They love him so much and who couldn't with that awesome smile.  I miss him and on days such as their b-days it always makes it harder, but still wouldn't wish him anywhere else.  These lessons he is learning are so important and can not be learned anywhere but where he is.  

Well, for now we are caught up. Always am amazed at how quickly time is going.  I am keeping extremely busy with work and my 2nd calling as Stake Camp Director.  I will also post our fun camp blog on the side of this one, you can always go there and check it out.  It's going to be great fun, but it is a lot of work.  I have such a great committee though which makes it so much easier.  I could not do it alone. Nor, would I ever want or need to.  My committee as well as the help of my Father in Heaven, it will all be fine. 

Time to Catch Up...again...

Hardly seems possible that another month has come and gone since I have been on this blog.  However, I am maintaining others.  So, It's not like I'm not blogging at all.  You can always read Stetson's missionary experiences, I am on top of that every week.  I try and do that each Sunday as I want to not miss a week.  But as for this one, it seems to be the last one updated.  I am going to attempt to catch it up as best I can without boring you, if there is actually anyone who even reads or follows.  But, really this is just a great journal for me as I can print and keep this for posterity if not for anything else.

The annual Burningham Family  Christmas Party was held the Sunday before Christmas and was lots of fun.  We have always had it at one of our homes, but our family is really growing and so this year we had it at mom and dad's club house and it was great.  We have decided that this is what we will continue to do until I guess we don't do it anymore.  I hope that doesn't happen.  It is so much fun to have everyone come together and we have such a great family.  We had Santa and Mrs. Claus come and give gifts to the kids and tell the symbols of Christmas and it was so much fun to have Josh back with us this year.  This year added Brett's new wife, Jerrica and Travis joined us with Alex since they are now married as well.  Tyce, Brittney's baby boy and Rachel, Ted's newest granddaughter are the littlest that were added this year.  And I'm certain it will continue to grow.  My dad was so proud as he said how awesome it was that all were doing so well and making good choices.  What a great family I have.  We are so blessed.

 For years it has become our own little tradition to go out to dinner at Olive Garden and then to Temple Square to see the lights.  This year it was a fast walk through the square as it was so cold.  But, it is so peaceful and pretty there.  It would be so sad if we didn't go there to feel of the spirit that is there and remember why we are blessed to have this wonderful season.  Caleb made me promise we would not stop at the Nativity, which I usually do.  But, with it being below freezing, I was happy to fulfill his wishes and just keep walking.  Love my family and to be able to spend the evening with them was a great time.

 Hoping to catch the Honduras missionaries after they sing Silent Night

 Such a beautiful place to be on Christmas Eve...even if it's freezing.

 The best thing of all was Christmas and the phone call from Mexico.  Stetson was supposed to call on Christmas Eve and let us know when he was going to call, however that never happened.  We were a little sad, but knew it was going to take place just didn't know when. So, we woke up about 8:00 on Christmas morning and opened up our gifts.  Things are certainly different when you don't have little ones anxiously awaiting Santa's visit.  Except I think I was more excited than I any kid ever is waiting for our missionaries to call home.  Oh how you miss those voices.  Finally at about 1:50 an email popped in that said he would be calling in about an hour.  I hurried to get dinner ready to just put in the oven so that we could just totally focus on his call.  When the Skype finally came through and I saw his face, I can't tell you the emotion that races through your soul.  Tears well in your eyes as that sweet boy that you have not seen for almost seven months is looking at you.  Skype is awesome, but the audio wasn't the best.  We had to hold the speakers up to our ears so that we could hear him, but I don't care, his face looked wonderful.  He beamed and was so happy.  He loves his mission and is exactly where he should be. I have never doubted my testimony, but it is a true act of faith for me to send my most treasured and precious possession on a mission.  My brother said it best in a talk he gave a couple of weeks ago.  He has given them to us and all He asks of us is to give them to Him for two years, and He will return them to us better than they left.  They will be better people, better husbands, better dads, better people in the community, better all around, we just have to trust Him and let it happen.  And although hard, that is what we are doing.  But, oh how I miss him, still...

I'm not going to lie, it is so hard to hang up.  He was given an hour and he has always been such a rule follower he knew it was coming time to end.  He told me he had to go and the tears started.  I tried so hard to not let them, but I couldn't help it.  I told him how proud I was of him and how much we loved him, to be safe, obedient and we would continue to pray for him each and every day.  He knew that.  But it still seems like forever until Mother's Day when we get to see his face and hear his voice again.  After we hung up we all ate dinner, I cleaned up the dishes, then went and laid on my bed in the dark for about an hour or more.  Pathetic I know, but it is hard.  Bridger said it is definately better being on this end of that phone call.  But, the next week when we got Stetson's email he said he had a great Christmas.  He wasn't sad.  I know that prayers were answered and he is watched over and protected each and every day.  For that I am so grateful.

And, last but certainly not least.  Caleb doing his duty and putting up the flag on Martin Luther King Day.  He is such a great young man.  He is so much fun and has such a great personality.  He sometimes may murmur, but it never lasts, and as you can see, it's never boring when he's around. 

Finally...I Made the Sign!

Quite awhile ago, I joined Four Pillar Fitness.  It is a gym where you have a personal trainer that helps you with your workout.  He will give you the rotations of cardio and strength training and you go day after day and become a better you.  I have been going faithfully for over 18 months.  I get weighed and measured almost monthly and I see results, mostly in inches of measurement and BMI or body fat percentages, just not weight going down.  Sure.  I've lost several pounds, just there's this dumb number in my head that I have wanted to get below and since July I have been within eight, yes 8 away from.  And, I just could not get there.  I have lost several inches, and sizes and so many have commented on how I look and I must have lost so much, and NOPE, I haven't.  I have been so frustrated.  Even Ryan says I frustrate him.  I have given up soda, although diet is what I drank this is huge.  And still nothing, until finally on December 6, I stepped on the scale and the number that I have wanted to see was there.  I wanted to scream, shout, jump up and down or do something.  To be honest I was scared to get off and get back on thinking it was not going to be real.  But, it was.  Ryan was as thrilled as I was and then he measured and the inches saw progress, too.  I had always said my goal was to have my name on the sign outside and when it was never going to happen I asked if he could just put my name out there that said, "Tammy Clayton comes here"  So, I never thought he would really do it, and to be honest it was all a joke.  I really didn't want to be there, I don't like that sort of attention.  But, then the texts and messages started coming and it had happened.  They did put it up there.  And, to be honest, I am grateful.  It has been a lot of hard work.  I go every morning at 5:15/30.  It's dark, cold and very early most days, but I am determined to finish.  And that I will.  I am so grateful for Ryan who is my trainer.  He has become a good friend.  He is good at what he does, but he has an interest and he cares.  I will finish and be in the best shape of my life and which to be honest is weird because this year I will be 49.  Now is when it is most important.  Thanks to all for the support and encouragement.  It means so much to me.  See you at the finish line...

Soaring with the Eagles, Third Time Around

Caleb has earned his Eagle.  There is a program called Angel Flight that takes sick children to their doctor appointment's around the United States with no charge to the families involved.  At Christmas time, these same pilots donate their planes, fuel and time to take items collected to Title One schools that have been donated.  This year our ward was able to have the opportunity to participate.  Caleb only had a project left for him to earn his Eagle and so he was on board.  He was able to have his project approved quite quickly and then get flyers printed to have his troop pass out through our ward, and a couple of surrounding neighborhoods to collect donations of school supplies.  He also put his uniform on and asked a few business to place wrapped boxes that looked like presents that would remain in their places for about two weeks and allow people to donate.  He rallied his troop as well as a few from the neighboring troop to help him pass out flyers.  After about 10 days of allowing people to gather items.  Caleb organized a gathering of scouts his own troop and neighboring one to meet on a Saturday morning, he had three drivers and eight scouts meet to get the items from the porches of all who donated.  Each home that had a donation was also left with a "thank you" note attached to their front door.  Caleb also had wrapped packages at the Stake Center for two weeks that allowed people to drop things of there, as well as our front door.  Any that donated and we knew who they were were delivered the same "thank you" note on their door.  He also had a "thank you" written in the ward bulletin of each of the newsletters.  I was so proud of him. He worked hard.  They collected a truck load of items, and then he organized another night of fun where we went and delivered the items to the airport that would be loaded to take to the children of East Elementary in Cedar City.  The other boys in our area waited a little too long and kind of didn't put as much effort as Caleb did and although I am sure they will get theirs, they were surprised at all the things Caleb collected.  But, Caleb worked hard.  He did it the right way, and we were/are so proud oh him. He will be able to stand tall at the court of Honor as he receives his reward to fly to the Eagles Nest.

He will now need to write up his paperwork and the have his board of review and then he will be done. 

 Organizing all the items collected from the neighborhoods

Such great friends to come and help out.

A Bump in the Road, Wayne's Diagnosis

It's been a little while since I have updated this little blog.  Not sure why I let it get away from me.  Perhaps, it's that I have a little much going on at the present time.  A few weeks back Wayne was experiencing a weird thing where he was having a slight lisp in his speaking.  At first we thought it might be an allergic reaction to something he was eating and he went to see my brother who gave him some medication.  As this did not seem to get any better and then actually developed into an additional symptoms of harder times of swallowing and choking at various times.  An appointment was set up at an ENT, which diagnosed it as acid reflux, something that he had not even has as little as heartburn ever in his life and a barium swallow test ordered at the hospital.  This was done and came back normal.  Still frustration as this was not giving us the answers we were seeking.  All this time, which was a little over 3/4 weeks his voice or speech would have difficult but not on a consistent basis.  Then on one particular Thursday it didn't go away.  He started sounding as if he had an hair lip, or cleft palate.  It was awful.  He called himself "Special Wayne"  We would laugh and make light jokes, but to be honest it was rather scary.  What in the world was happening.  Had he had a stroke, a tumor, we were confused.  He called his primary care physician who had him come in the following day, Friday, who told him he did not know what in the world was wrong with him and ordered an MRI that evening at ST. Mark Hospital of his brain and throat area and follow up with another ENT.  The MRI came back completely normal, which was good/great news, but still disturbing and the next ENT was still just as stumped.  In fact, he said he had seen lots of things, but in his many years this was right at the top of strange and unusual.  Terrific.  Before he went to have the MRI done, Bridger gave him a Priesthood blessing, which was awesome that he could do this for his dad.  In this blessing he told his dad, that this would just be a "bump in the road" that he would have angels round about him and that those who had gone before him would be by his side.  Interesting for sure.  And on we went.  With no news to say otherwise, Wayne, Bridger, Caleb and Dave (Wayne's dad) all decided why not go hunting.  It wasn't life threatening and perhaps this was something that was going to have to just work it self out.  When they returned on Saturday, Wayne's lip had swollen up quite large, and he still sounded so bad.  It was then that I called Ted, (my brother, Physician) again.  I think then he was concerned as well.  I put Wayne on the phone and he talked with him.  It was then that Ted could tell something was not right.  He could tell by his speech that is was not something that was just a virus and perhaps he needed to do something more.  Ted was on his way to San Diego, but would have his nurse call some residents at the UofU Neurology Dept. in the morning and get him in asap.  And that she did.  That was on Monday, and on Wednesday we had an appointment to see a Dr. Marshall at the Neurological Voice Disorder Clinic.  Never even knew they had one of those.  After seeing a speech pathologist and having many different tests done and seeing three other doctors and interns, they diagnosed him with Myasthenia Gravis.  But, blood work would have to be done before it was confirmed.  Off to the UofU Hospital to have that done, and on Friday, it was confirmed.  An auto immune disease that is actually very treatable.  Not something you would want, but the best of the worst if you will.  He will have to be on steroids for  several months until they get the medicine figured out.  But, it's amazing.  When taken, within 30 minutes he sounds completely normal. No more "Special Wayne" It has some side affects that he is working through, but he will get past that, hopefully.  He has his own Neurologist, which he jokes about.  He never thought he'd have one of those.  But he is a great guy, Dr. Nicholas Johnson.  We have been truly blessed and have seen the tender mercies of a loving Heavenly Father in all of this as it was a miracle that he was seen so quickly.  Most appointments take 6-8 weeks to be able to get in.  As his job is mostly verbal communication this was devastating to him to not be able to speak to these people he has been talking to for several years.  I am certain it is due to having a faithful son on a mission dutifully serving and doing his part.  As well as us trying our best to serve and do our best here at home.  But, we are grateful that things are at this point.  The medicine seems to be working well and so far the side affects are manageable.  Through this all we have found that we have wonderful family and friends that have come to text, stop by with treats, and checked up on him to make certain all is well. For that we are forever grateful.

A New Calling & Catching Up, Lots of Catchin UP

Hardly seems possibly that I have let so much time go by and have not posted an update So, this may be a bit long, but I will try and and catch all who are interested or follow or lives up on what's been going on.

Many know that I was serving as the Stake Primary President.  A calling that was one I learned to love and grow into if you will.  In late August I was released after three and one half years.  It was longer than most and I believe it was time for someone else to have the blessings of serving in such a wonderful organization.  I enjoyed one week of no calling and then was called into the Young Women's.  I have lived in this ward for just nine years and for 7.5 years of it I served in the Primary in leadership positions.  I am so excited to be in Young Women's.  It was always my dream to be put into this program when the girls that were in Primary would be in there and this is exactly what has happened.  I love these girls already.  They were little girls when I served as Primary President and now I can be with them as they are becoming lovely young women.  It is a dream come true and I am having a blast.  One of the fun activities that is a yearly tradition is Where's Waldo at the Gateway Mall.  It is where members of our ward are dressed up and you have to find them hiding in the mall and then take a picture of them.  It is fun activity, I have never gone.  My boys always tell me about it but I have never gone.  Here are some fun pictures of the night.

 These are the Haacke's.  They are a blast and we love having them in the ward. 

 Caleb and his posse, and a classic photobomb, awesome!!!

Stetson's first trainer that he met in Monterrey was Elder Erwin from Provo.  It would be his last transfer before completing his mission.  When he reported his mission we headed down to meet him.  We were so excited that Stetson sent packages home for everyone with handwritten letters to all of us.  Those are things you can not wait to get.  We loved meeting him and hearing stories of their adventures and knowing that he had just been with our brother and son.  He told us that Stetson was doing very well and his Spanish was great.  He was adjusting and the people love him.  We were not surprised at all.  Thank you so much Elder Erwin for taking such great care of our missionary and training him on how to be a great missionary just like you were.

Elder Erwin with all of us and the handwritten letter he sent me, I couldn't have been happier to know that it had been written by his hands not too long ago.  He sent notes and key chains with coins from Monterrey for everyone.  Even Abby got surprises.

Me and a few of the ladies from the ward were able to attend the Women's Broadcast at the Conference Center downtown.  It was a beautiful night and as we had given our tickets to the sister missionaries we had to go to the standby line we were able to go in and sit to the very front.  They were awesome seats.  So actually, we didn't too bad.  Afterwards we went to dinner at Olive Garden for dinner, but on the way back to our car I stopped and took a picture of the temple.  It was such a pretty night and the temple against the blue sky was an awesome site.  I loved being in the conference center and hearing about keeping our covenants.  Especially after I had needed to quit my fun BUNCO night that I have been doing for several years with my girlfriends due to my new calling in Young Women's.  I have always tried to be obedient and knew that I could not show up on that one Wednesday.  Made me grateful that I had made that decision.  I love being a member of our faith.  It was a wonderful evening.

My dad is once again running for the sewer board for Davis County.  With him not on Facebook or Instagram I told him I would take his picture and one of one of his signs and post on my timeline and let my friends know just who he was. So, you might say I'm his self appointed Campaign Manager. He is such a great guy.  He has been on the board for 15 years and done a fabulous job but this year there is another man contesting and so he will once again be on the ballot.  He used to be the first name on the list and now this time will be last.  Here's hoping no one will do the thing they say is common of picking the first two names.  So, vote for Burningham, vote for experience.  He is a great guy and if you know him, then you'll vote for him, guaranteed!

Well, that's the last of it.  We are all caught up.  Head to Elder Clayton's blog and see how's doing.  He is a great missionary and doing remarkably well.  We are so proud of him.

www.elderclaytoninmexico.blogspot.com