Sunday, November 22, 2009

Almost There!

Our mission prep is almost done! We have been crazy busy trying to get everything in order. The visa application is in, we've talked in church and Stake Conference, we've had all our shots, (my arm is still sore...), our drivers liscences and temple recommends have been renewed. The "Will" is done...the house is packed...the leaves are raked,the suitcases bought and we are being set apart as missionaries tonight! One more week and we leave for the MTC. That gives me three days before Thanksgiving to make sure I have all the clothes I need!!! We are getting excited to just be on our way.

The best news is that Jasper is home from the hospital. He is such a happy little guy and it is so fun to hold him even with all his tubes! We are so thankful for him.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Mission Call

This week we recieved an email from the Mission President's wife in the Ireland, Dublin mission. Since we have been on vacation in Florida for two weeks, our mission call was waiting for us at home in our held mail. To make a long story short, we have been emailing the Mission President back and forth and had Jeff overnite our call to us, so it's offical. We are headed to Ireland December 6th.(if we get our visa by then) We are to report to the Provo MTC on Nov. 30th. We have been called as missionaries for the church with the instructions that the mission president may change our assignments however he wants. So, we still are not sure what we will be doing. We are excited and will do whatever we are asked to do.

The next few weeks will be busy as we shop for mission clothes, get our house in order, renew driver liscences, get more shots...etc. My mind is whirling and on overload, which is probably good....so I don't think about being gone for 23 months! It's exciting, scary, sad, happy and every other emotion you can think of!

I do feel blessed to be going to Ireland. It's a beautiful country, safe, clean and I know we will have a wonderful experience. There are 6 senior couples there (counting us and another couple from California that will be going the same time as us), 110 missionaries, 2 stakes and a district. The whole island is smaller than Utah! The weather is 70's in the summer and 30's in the winter, which is perfect for me! Today it's in the 50's.

Life is full of change, and this will certainly change ours. Our testimonies are strong and we know we will be blessed. Hopefully we can bless others too. It's pretty neat to have a mission call signed by the prophet!

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Florida

We are having a great time in Florida. Every morning Dylan comes running in to wake us up and play! Today he was a big dinasaur and then decided to climb into this pillow case. I carried him all around the house in it. He thought that was pretty fun! Yesterday we went to the Starfish Co. for lunch. It was a fun little fishing place. The food was great! Best mahi sandwhich I've ever had!!
It was warm but a little overcast. We had a good time watching the pelicans!


Monday we went to the Ringling Art Museum. The grounds were beautiful. Right on the coast.


Dylan and Grandpa.


This was the patio of the mansion. John and Mable Ringling. One of the Ringling Brothers.


The Ringling Manison


The grounds and gardens were beautiful.


Shaylyn was such a good girl in her little sling. She slept the whole time.


This is Birch by the statue of David.....

Sunday we went to Church with Jana and Tony. Here is their new home. It is really nice.

They have a great ward. The people are really friendly and it was fun to see where they go to church!
















Friday, October 23, 2009

Shaylyn


Such a cutie! Shaylyn is growing and changing everyday! It's so nice to be here.

Beautiful Day at the Beach

We went to Lido Beach today. The weather was perfect! I forget how peaceful it can be listening to the waves, watching the clouds, the birds, the sunset.....the kids!




















Shaylyn's first day at the beach! She did great! Slept the whole time.






We stayed to watch the sunset and then went to dinner at a really fun seafood restarant in Sarasota. Fun day! Wish everyone could be here!








Saturday, October 17, 2009

Our new baby grand-daughter

Little Shaylyn Kay was born October 13th. She weighed 7lbs, 15 oz. and was 21" long. She has a full head of dark hair and she is beautiful! We are having so much fun being in Florida with her and her family! We went straight to the hospital from the airport. It was late but certainly worth the trip!


It's so much fun to be Grandparents!


She is such a sweet little baby. She is so good and we are so glad she has joined our family.



Aunt Julie made this beautiful blanket for Shaylyn. Such talent! We love PINK! Shopping is so much fun!!!!




Monday, October 12, 2009

SNOW??? In October???

It's snowing today! The leaves are still green, but they are covered with snow! It is beautiful....but alittle early for me! I guess Birch won't mow the lawn today! Florida, here we come!!!!!