Nicest kid in town

My friend told me about a local contest for the "nicest kid in town" for the play Hairspray. I know I'm biased but Brad really is the nicest kid so I nominated him. And he won! So he was able to get 4 free tickets to the play and recognized at the beginning of the show. I told my family that Brad was going to be recognized and of course, they decide to come. We ended up having 25 people of family and friends come and support him. You can bet there was a cheering crowd when his name was called. He was a little embarrassed but it made him feel good. Nothing better than family supporting you! I was so proud of him. He really is a great kid and a great example to his siblings.

Here is what I submitted:

Has this ever happened to you?

Have you ever gone to the store and bought all your groceries and forget your wallet? Yup, that's what happened to me. Both Paul and I forgot our wallets. When it came time to paying, both of us looked at each other and started laughing. It obviously has happened to others because they just had to suspend our receipt. It was pretty funny!

My sister DeLayne

DeLayne came home on Monday. Yeah! I love having her at home. I did not like it when she was in the hospital. I feel much better and more comfortable that she is at home. We do not know anything more regarding her treatments and timeline. She seems to be doing great, though. She moves at snail speed when she walks around but everyday it keeps getting faster. She had her medicine bag removed yesterday (Wednesday) and now just on pain meds so that is an adjustment. We are in the process of starting a blog for her so she can write down her thoughts, feelings, and memories of this experience. I think it will be therapeutic for her and keep everyone informed.

Some thoughts I have had during the worst weekend of my life. I still can't answer why now but what gives me peace and comfort is that DeLayne has a way with people. She can influence people like no one else. This experience will bring about many miracles not only in her life but in other people's life that are affected by DeLayne. There is a bigger picture than we can even comprehend. We must have faith and trust the Lord.

As a family we all gathered together on Monday to talk about our feelings and emotions. This is affecting all of us and we all need to express ourselves and support each other through this. We talked about "giving up" something if that means it would heal DeLayne. What in your life would you be willing to improve upon so that His blessings will pour upon her. It made me think of the people of Limhi in the Book of Mormon who were not living right and had when they had trials they prayed to the Lord but the Lord was slow to answer them. That is why we go to church every Sunday, why we have Family Home Evening, why we read the scriptures because when something unexpected happens the Lord is bound to hear us because we have been living righteously.

I know there will be more heartache, struggles, and tears. As for now, it is good to have DeLayne home.

Breast cancer

My sister has breast cancer. Totally unexpected. It's happening so fast, I don't even think I have had time to comprehend it all. She had surgery to remove the lump today (Friday). She is getting a double masectomy. Even though it's only in one, she feels that she needs to remove both. Now we are told that she tested positive in her lymph nodes...not good. This was suppose to be the" good" cancer. Now some of our fears are coming true. She will have to have chemo and radiation. It might have spread, we don't know yet. This shouldn't be happening to her. She is too young (38). She has young kids (ages 13-2). I don't understand. This has been a very emotional day for me. I don't know how to deal with it. I can't even go to the hospital. I don't think I am handling it well. I'm angry. This shouldn't happen to her. She is so positive and upbeat about everything. She has a way with people. Everyone adores her.

She was told a year ago that it was just a cyst and just to keep an eye on it. They didn't do an ultrasound, they should have. Then they said she will just have to have radiation but now it's worse than they thought so she will have to have chemo and radiation. She is going to lose her hair. My sisters are talking about shaving their hair. I don't know if I can. Am I too conceited? This is really hard. She just wanted to get this out and move on with her life. We have been praying and fasting for her. Her name is in many temples including the prayer roll of the general authorities. I know we shouldn't ask why but I am. Why her? Why now? Why aren't our prayers being answered? Nothing seems to matter now...I just want DeLayne to get better quickly and life to get back to normal.

Football season has begun

Just a little reminder that football season is here! My husband mowed this logo into our lawn. Our bishop wants to paint a big red U on top of it (he is a Ute Fan). Here's to a winning year! GO BYU!

1st days of school

When school starts again it just reminds me that my kids are getting older. I don't want them to grow up because that means one day they will be all grown up and gone. I hate that thought. All but one started school this year.

Brad is in 8th grade. Yeah so much easier than 7th grade (emotionally for me). I am a little worried because he comes home everyday and says he doesn't have homework. Hopefully that changes.

Preston is in 5th with the same school and teacher. YEAH! We love Miss B. Preston loves school and I am happy about that.

Kailene is in 2nd grade. She likes her teacher but none of her friends are in her class but she is making new friends.

Breanna started Kindergarten. This was hard for me because Bree and I get a long so well. She is my little mommy and helps me so much. As she was walking in her classroom she didn't even look back. Not even a I love you mom, I'm going to miss you, Thanks for the last 5 years of my life, mom. Nothing, just walked right in. She did wake up and hug us by 8 am and told us she loved us and will miss us. She still had 4 more hours until Kindergarten. She loves school and even after trying to persuade her, she still wants to go back.