Yes, We're Still Around!

Robyne has had a busy year since school started last September and so I (Shane) thought I might try to update the blog (this should be interesting). You can read her previous posts to get a flavor of what her life was like a couple of months ago...trust me, nothing has changed (in fact, she may be busier now).

We had a great holiday season and it was exciting to have all of us at home together again. Holiday traditions are something we've always cherished as a family. However, due to my mom passing away in August, the Christmas traditions changed. For all but two years (mission) of my short life (work with me here), Christmas eve and day have always involved my parents, and all my siblings, in one way or another. This year we all either developed new holiday traditions, or at a minimum modified the ones we always had. Thanks to my sister and her family for letting us share part of theirs

Below are a few of the pictures that show what our Christmas was like:
.


Christmas eve PJ's from Santa..."Life is Good"



The "Three Wise Men" bringing Gifts...fun new tradition and a very handsome group if I do say so myself.

Fun new game...pretty fun time and don't they all look happy!!!


Christmas morning festivities...yep, this Santa doesn't shop for girl clothes. Primary reason, is to maintain Santa's sanity, everything is cheaper the week after Christmas, and finally, they enjoy shopping for themselves. Also, don't worry, there are actual presents to open!


Modifying two past Christmas traditions into one. My parents always a big stocking at their house the Santa would fill with a present to be opened on Christmas eve. Also, when the kids were little and Robyne's dad was living with us, we would take everyone to "All A Dollar" to buy Christmas presents. The kids loved doing this and some of the presents they gave were great. So this year we got our own big stocking and each of us bought "Dollar Tree" presents for each other which we opened on Christmas night. We had a blast with this tradition and will be keeping it going.

Bought a kit to make a Ginger Bread House but didn't get around to making it until Christmas night. Lots and lots of laughter and I thought the finished product of cute. Major earth quake in "Ginger Bread Land" destroyed it immediately after this picture was taken!



Yes we sure did miss our parents/grandparents this Christmas, but felt them right there with us most of the time. I'm also confident that they were excited to see our own traditions begin to develop. It was great Christmas and so far 2010 is going great...

PS This was my first December in six years that I didn't have to conduct Tithing Settlement. Many have wondered how we're holding up since my release and if I'm missing the hectic schedule. The following pictures should help "lay to rest" any concerns you may have:





The doctor says I'm doing great and thinks that smile on my face says it all!

Wishing you were here.....

I absolutely LOVE Christmas!!!!! As I am sure you know , ha, ha. Our Christmas' are pretty traditional in that we love to be together as extended family, there is always lots of yummy food, we love Christmas music, and did I mention the yummy food??? We also have our own traditions that Shane and I established in our own home, traditions that our girls count on and love. Traditions bind us together as a family...extended and immediate.

This year will be different for us, as our Christmas Celebrations have always centered around Shane's parents. EVERY year since we have been married (that is 21 years) we have had a huge Christmas Eve dinner with the whole family all 6 kids, spouses, grandkids, great grandkids, my Dad, and usually other family members, friends, or in-laws. We had a wonderful Christmas Dinner, sometimes played Christmas songs on the Chimes, the kids always acted out the nativity, and there was always a small gift in the "Giant Sock" for everyone from Santa. On Christmas Day we each did our own family stuff before heading back to Grandma's for Christmas Brunch and to watch them open their presents.

This year is our first Christmas without Barbara. Our second without Delbert and Dad. This year will be different. Of the 6 families, 4 want to start their own Family Traditions for Christmas. This year will just be us and Debbie's family, I am so grateful that they still wanted to do this together, in the past year and a half so much has changed and I 'm just not ready to change Christmas Eve yet.....maybe someday.....maybe.

For now we will enjoy being together with Deb, Jim, Jenny, Scott, James, Anna, Lisa, Clayton, Houston, Benjamin, Chris, Liz, Matt, & Zach. I can't wait!!!! I am so excited for Christmas Eve!!

It is exactly 1 year ago today that my Daddy died, it has been an emotional day. I know he still watches out for me, I feel him, sometimes I hear his voice. I miss him so much, but I am so grateful for the knowledge that I will see him again! I am happy that he is no longer in such terrible pain! So while we celebrate a different Christmas this year, we focus on Him whose birth, life, sacrifice, and resurrection make our lives complete....even Jesus Christ! Through Him we are able to overcome all things and return to our Father in Heaven. This I KNOW to be TRUE!

Feelings....

My family keeps asking me when I am going to update our blog. I looked back and I realized that I blogged twice as much in 2008 than in 2009, is this because I have become a slacker???? That is the question I asked myself today, but in asking the question and looking at the last year, I realize that if I said I am just being a slacker, that would be a cop out! So the real reason that I have had a harder time blogging is because of all the feelings....and the emotions that go with them. I don't want to keep expressing them, but I can't help feeling them, and when I write they sometimes pour out of me like a waterfall!

Experiences we have in life change us, there is just no getting around it, we all change! The way we look at life and such changes also. I guess after an emotional year I look at things more emotionally (in my case this means more tearfully) I have always been easy to cry, but sometimes this is ridiculous! Don't get me wrong I don't sit around crying buckets every day, I just tear-up more easily as I think of, watch, and experience life itself! I guess I haven't blogged as much because I don't really want to feel all the feelings again as I write about our family experiences.....does any of this make sense??

So it is December 11, 2009. I am sitting in my favorite recliner by the beautiful Christmas tree. I absolutely love Christmas :) the smells, the weather, the family and friends, the shopping, the music.....I especially love the music...like start up the day after Halloween and listen constantly until January 2nd, and sometimes even a little in July when it is so hot you can fry an egg on the concrete....THAT KINDA LOVE There is so much meaning to Christmas Music that it can make any season a Happy Season!!! Lately, the past few months have been busy, busy, busy, as I am sure your lives have been busy too,(I am not trying to say that I am busier than you..I hate it when people do that) Anyway I will finally try to give a little recap!!!

The school musical was in Nov. The kids did an awesome job, All the kids (about 120 girls and 45 boys). The musical was "Curtains" an edited version of course. I had to be one of the parents who approved of the script, be over the parent seamstress ladies, and over the student ushers. It was a busy time as there were about 12 moms who sewed 120 prairie dresses, 30 dance hall dresses, 30 mermaid costumes, and 30 pair of chaps. I did a little sewing myself it was funny, stressful, and frustrating (the sewing) I also delivered all the sewing material to the moms, picked up the finished products and fit them to the girls at school. I spent so much time there that it was like being in HS again a terrifying thought at my age!! Anyway it all turned out Amazing and it was well worth all the time and work put forth by all! These kids are amazing!!! They make me want to cry, pull my hair out, and laugh all at the same time!

We also had the Fall Choir Concert, planned the Performing Arts Tour, and had the Canyons Invitational at our High School.

We had Thanksgiving at our house this year with Deb & Jim, Chris & Liz, Matt, Zach, Scott, Tim & Vanessa, Nichael, Chloe, Natalie, and the 5 of us...it was great to be with family and enjoy the kids. Black Friday Shane & I were up at 4:30 to go shopping, later we hit a movie with the kids, and decorated for Christmas the next day!

So far December has brought....Snow finally!! We had 4 other families in the ward over for "Cookie" night. Where we make and decorate Christmas Sugar Cookies from scratch....it is so fun to watch the kids from 2 years old to 52 years old eating the dough and decorating. We took the girls to Festival of Trees...this year there were 4 extra daughters(Stacey, Rachel, Michale,and Gwen) as Nicole's friends/roommates came with us! It was great!! Last night we went to "Zoo Lights" and once again there were 9 of us....Kendra, Megan's friend, and Rachel, Gwen, and Sarah came with us. While Shane & I were standing in line for hot chocolate, the girls huddled in a circle and sang "Hokey Pokey" Shane commented on how boring our lives could have been with all boys instead of girls...ha,ha.
We also had the opportunity to hear Megan sing in the JSMB, Church History Museum, and in the Assembly Hall on Temple Square. Tomorrow night the choir will sing Forgotten Carols with Michael McLean....and it is the ward Christmas Breakfast.
Whew....we are not even half way through December! Here are a few pics....
Enjoy!!!

"Release"

Six years ago our lives changed forever! Change is tough sometimes, but change is good. I love change, I love when summer changes to fall and there is a crispness in the air, I love the smells of fall when my neighbors start to burn wood in their wood burning stove. I love the frost on the ground, the first skiff of snow in the mountains. I also love the change from winter to spring, the air smells fresh and clear, my daffodils and crocus peek out from the last bits of snow, and as it warms the tulips burst out with flies, bees, and other insects that have been gone for the winter. I love the birds singing, chirping, and even screeching. I have always loved the change of the seasons!

Our lives have seasons too. Six years ago our family entered a new season, a season of service, sacrifice, joy, growth, fun, tears, and lots of laughter. It was the season of a Bishop. Shane served faithfully and whole-heartedly, and as a family he included us all in many acts of secret service. The past years have brought much growth. Nicole was 13, Megan 11, and Abbie was only 9 when we began and they hated having their daddy gone so much, but they adjusted as we all do with changes. They were able to have special experiences with their Dad as their Bishop. He was able to go to all of their Girls Camps, Youth Conferences, and Pioneer Trek twice. As part of his calling he had alot of interaction with the youth of the ward, and many traditions were started such as Bishopric Breakfast at almost everything (Ward Camp Out, Girls Camp, Camp Helaman, and once a year for the Primary) That was alot of cooking for those men! (Oh yeah and the Oreo Bar!)

During this time the girls and I bonded in a way that I don't know we would have otherwise. There were long Sundays without Shane, many weeknights with only us girls, and some unique feelings that come with being in the Bishop's family. It can be hard when people are afraid of socializing with you, or expect something from you because of the calling your Dad/Husband has, and it can be lonely sometimes. So we grew closer, and as sisters they grew closer, and sadly sometimes Shane felt left out!

Change is a constant in life, the girls are now 19, 17, & 15. Nicole is in her second year of college. Megan is a Senior, and Abbie a Sophmore in High School. We have lost six family members in the past 3 years, we have seen family members baptized, recieve temple endowments, and be sealed for time and eternity in the House of the Lord. We have made time for some great family vacations, Yellowstone, Disneyworld, New York, Nauvoo, San Francisco, Disneyland, & St. George and have made great memories.

Has it been hard to have my husband gone so much? Well, yeah, sometimes...but I would never change the experience for anything!! We have been so blessed through it all. We have been sustained through our trials, we have enjoyed good health, we have grown closer. Our testimonies have grown so very much. It has been quite a ride....and now that ride is over. While we will miss the blessings, we feel grateful for the opportunity to serve....and we are all walking around with big smiles on our faces!!
Shane / Daddy is HOME!!

Goodbye Summer, Hello BYU

Summer is officially over come Monday! And here is how I've been enjoying the last few days of summer....
-Packing/Transporting/Moving all my stuff (I think it multiplied somehow..) into my new home away from home here at Liberty Square in Provo
-Buying a step stool so I can actually get on my bed here... it's really tall, and lets face it-I'm not
-Enjoying a grasshopper cupcake from the Sweet Tooth Fairy, seriously the best cupcake I've had in a VERY long time. If you're ever in Provo I'll take you there, and by take you there I mean drive with you, not pay for you, lets face it I'm a poor college student!
-Decorating, under the direction of B and Gwenie, our new apartment
-Buying books with my mom, well... mom bought them technically... Thanks :)
-Waiting in line for 4.5 hours just to get a parking pass-but I've already learned what happens when I don't have one of those. And so far I've LOVED having a reserved parking space, it's so nice!
-Battling the super S l o w internet at this place. Oh well, at least it works, for now.
-Going over each outfit for the girls for "runway Sunday" Oh my heavens....only at this school.....
-Painting nails with the girls
-Cooking breakfast with the girls
-Shopping with the girls
-Moving furniture with the girls
-Telling about our summer adventures and catching up with all of the girls! (I really missed these girls!)

Although things have been rough this last year, I really feel like this school year is going to be great. I'm excited for my classes, my apartment, my roommates, and my life. Who knows what this year will bring? No matter what though, I'm happy and looking forward with a positive attitude though that this year will be amazing.

PS: I miss you family-a LOT! Thanks for making this summer so awesome, and such a great experience for me. I'm so much stronger and happier now than I was when I first came back home in April, and I owe that to you 4 and your love and patience with me. Thanks for the meals, the NCIS and 30 rock marathons, the limo ride, staying up with me when I was to anxious to sleep, killing all the moths, supporting my ultimate cake off, sharing your clothes/shoes/jewelry and making me laugh! You are my very most favorite people in the world Mom, Dad, Megan and Abbie-and I'm so glad I go to school close enough to be able to see you! Come check out my new place soon!(And maybe get some cupcakes too?)

PSS: Pictures will come when the decorating finishes and when I actually take the time to get pretty... maybe we'll take some on "runway Sunday"... oh brother-welcome back to Provo

Remembering a Mother

I have been so lucky to be blessed with the greatest in-laws ever! Throughout the years Del & Barbara have done so much for us and for other members of their family. I can't count the times they helped us out, but mostly they just loved and supported us in all that we did. Of course they were fabulous grandparents, doting on all of their grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Delbert passed away about 17 months ago and we have all felt such a loss, but it was especially hard for Barbara. In February her dementia had got to the point that she needed 24 hour care. We were able to move her into The Stratford which is a memory care unit that is part of The Wentworth. This is the same facility where my father passed away so we were very familiar with the staff and felt comfortable having her live there. On July 25th we celebrated Barbara's 90th birthday, with a big family party held in The Wentworth's Activity Room. She looked beautiful, and was thrilled to be surrounded by her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and her 80 yr old sister, Colleen. A few days later Barbara came down with an infection, this caused her dementia to worsen, she became very agitated and uncomfortable. The infection was treated and healed, but she continued to decline and last Tuesday Hospice told us that it wouldn't be much longer. Shane stayed until about 1 or 2am, and Debbie spent the night there. On Wednesday morning Shane & I went over to be there when the nurse came. Later Shane had to go to a meeting at work and I sent Debbie home to shower and change while I sat with my beautiful mother-in-law. As I sat there I thought of all of the things I have learned from this woman. She blessed my life mostly by raising such a wonderful son. I couldn't ask for a better husband and father for my children. Barbara was always serving others, not only her family, but her neighbors and friends....and there were alot of those. Barbara was always happy and positive, she had a beautiful sense of humor, we all loved being around her. Barbara never spoke ill of anyone in all the years that I have known her she always focused on peoples good attributes. Barbara believed in treating everyone fair....children, grandchildren, she loved us all the same!

As I sat with Barbara I thought of how much I loved her and how grateful I am for her. I thanked her for all of these things and watched her sleep as I held her hand. It was only about 10 minutes since Shane & Debbie had left, it was peaceful and pretty quiet when a faint smile crossed her lips and she drew her last breath. I felt the spirit so strongly in her room, and I felt privileged to be there as she passed through the veil. I wonder how people without the gospel of Jesus Christ feel comfort and peace when they lose a loved one. I know that I am grateful for the knowledge that I have of a loving Heavenly Father, who is aware of each of us and our needs, the knowledge of a Savior who died for all of us so we can return to live with Him again. I am grateful also for the knowledge that life is eternal, that we will be reunited once again with our loved ones! We Love You Barbara and are so happy that you and Delbert are together again!!

What we've been up to...

11 things that have happened to us all since Mom last posted/or that was not mentioned before:

(brought to you by Nicole)

1-We all went to California for Grandma's 70th birthday-where the highlights were the great party, spending time with the family, riding in a limo and the delicious cake aunt Faye made!

2-Dad, Megan and Abbie all went to Youth Conference... Mom and I went to dinner and Harry Potter!

3-Megan got her beautiful pix taken for the yearbook in her lovely senior dress/drape/type thing

4-Mom was brave and took all of us girls on our annual voyage to Moon Lake since Dad had to go out of town for business that week.

5-Megan got her DRIVERS LICENSE!!! And has loved driving around!!

6-Megan and Abbie are currently at Girls Camp-with Mom and Dad there for a couple days!

7-At camp Abbie is participating in the 4th year-2 night-backpacking hike. She is such a tough girl!

8-I work every day at Fortified Financial, my first real grown-up full time job! And-I really like it!

9-I appealed my lifetime parking ban at BYU parking services and.... I'm only on probation!!! YAY

10-Last Saturday we celebrated my Grandma London's 90th birthday party at a great bash planned by Aunt Debbie and my Dad. It was SO much fun and so nice to be with everyone.

11-For the first time, in a long time, I believe the ENTIRE family is excited for school to start. Abbie is excited to go to high school, Megan is excited for VE and her senior year, I'm excited to live in my apartment and see all my friends again, Mom is excited to get back to the library and Dad is excited because if we're all in school we aren't out spending money! ha ha

For the mean time though-we are loving the summer!