One More Week To Go

It seems like only yesterday we were here

So we are down to one more week until our Elder comes home.   For almost two years he has been Elder Rob, and in one week we will again call him Kyle.  Allan and I both feel very strongly about calling him "Elder".  We have been taught by many a Mission President that they have earned the title, and so we have followed the counsel when we e-mail, skype with him or even on those phone calls.  I know some don't agree, but I would never dream of calling an Elder in our mission, by his first name, so why would I not give my son the same respect.  Once his dad releases him and the name tag comes off, he will be Kyle.

I especially want those of you who are in Idaho to know how comforting it was for me to know you were all there if he ever served in your area.  Thanks.  I am so grateful for the people in the areas where he has served who have fed him and been there for him and his companions.  He has had great companions.  That is something I love about missions--watching the love between the missionaries.

At the MTC

First night in the Mission Field--this is the group he went out with!!!

His MTC group

He has had an amazing experience.  There has been such growth.  It has been such a treat to get his weekly e-mails.  As much as I will miss the e-mails, it will be FABULOUS to have him here.

Sidenote:    Heidi had surgery yesterday and is doing well.  Can't wait to see her in a little over a week ; )

Happy Mother's Day

I love Mother's Day--and not just because I know in a few hours I will get to talk with my little Elder ; )  (This year we are not skyping.  He felt it would be too hard for him to focus the last couple of weeks of his mission if he skyped with us, and so that is fine with me--especially since I will see him in just 17 more days!!!

I love being a mom.   The thing that is so funny to me is as busy as I am right now, I wonder how I managed to get everything done when the kids were home and there was even more to do.  The other day I was visiting with my neighbor, who has two boys that Elder Rob used to play with when they were all little, and we were laughing about how busy we were back then.  But it was a GREAT busy.  Today I am busy with different things, things that are more about me.  Back then I was attending games, recitals, taking them to practice, taking them to visit their friends, etc.  I miss those times in the car, conversations at the dinner table, just having them and their friends here at home.  And, of course, Mother's Day when they were home--the cards, the things they made at school, and BREAKFAST IN BED.  This morning, Allan made me a lovely breakfast.

Today it is phone conversations, e-mails, facebook messages, texts, etc.  I miss the hugs, reading to them--having them read to me,  and the kisses goodnight.

I have to express my appreciation to all those who were such great examples to me.  I don't know where I would be without their tutelage.  Although I only had my mom for 13 years, I learned a lot from her.  And, Helen was there to teach me how to deal with teenagers--she had lots of practice because my sisters and I weren't the easiest group ; )  And, then there was my mother-in-law   I miss them all so much--especially on Mother's Day.

I know I have done a lot of things wrong, but none of my children can ever accuse me of not trying--maybe sometimes I tried too hard.  But at least they know I loved them.

So, Happy Mother's Day to all of you Mother's out there.  Hope you feel loved and appreciated.

Since it is Mother's Day, I want to put up a few of my favorite "mother" and "grandmother" moments--in no particular order.

30-Day Challenge for May

Yes, I know, May does have 31 days so this month is a 31 Day Challenge!!!

I did great with my April Challenge--at least until I got sick.  Then when I was sick there was no desire for a treat.  Yes, now you know I MUST HAVE BEEN PRETTY SICK!  But then when I finally felt better, I couldn't resist and ended up having a couple of treats.  The next day I was sick again and so no treat and then...well, you get the picture ; (

This month I've decided to go with a month long Positive Calorie Burn.

I record my food and exercise using MyFitnessPal.com    I love it and I'm going to make sure that I have a positive calorie burn throughout the month.  Now let me just make something clear--it's not about getting skinny--IT'S ABOUT GETTING HEALTHY!!!!  Let me make something very clear--THAT IS NOT MY BODY!!!!!!  AS IF YOU THOUGHT ; )

How about you?  Are you going to Challenge yourself?  Really, 30 days (or even 31) isn't a long time.  And it really is wonderful to feel like you are accomplishing something--and you are not just feeling like you are, YOU ARE!!!!!

SIDENOTE:  In less than 30 days, we will have Elder Rob with us.  IT'S GOING TO BE FANTASTIC!!!!!  BTW, this was taken on his 21st birthday!!!!