Saturday, January 24, 2009

The Trip to Bountiful...or should I say Provo

Tom and Kaitlynn's trip out west was almost a month ago. Slow getting the photos out, but I no longer have the luxury of working from home. I must now venture from my home office, and of all times to start a commute, in the frigid cold. Remind me why we are in Wisconsin? I am quickly forgetting! Their trip was a wonderful experience for them both. I am so proud of her right now. As time passes, the calls become less frequent, which means she is doing well. For all who follow, stay tuned to the March CES Fireside. Her Institute choir is singing and Elder Bednar is speaking. She/we are excited. I know to some that's just normal, but for us and for her, its just another way of reminding us she is in the right place and doing the right thing.

I am so glad that both Tom and Katy shared the journey together. What a memory they will have for a lifetime.

As a side note, right after the trip out west, we said our final goodbyes to our "adopted" Elder Thomas. The cycle is complete and we are all onto the next cycle. Its been an adjustment, but they both/all remain in our hearts and our prayers. They certainly shall not be forgotten and will always be with us! Our lives are forever changed by their love, their dedication and their service to their Father in Heaven!

Sunday, January 4, 2009

The Butterfly is Free...

The first was second and now there is only one left. This butterfly is free from her cocoon and flitting away for a season. Can I flit away too? I have always been a gypsy at heart, waiting for the winds to blow and tell when it is time to leave. This time, however, I am staying and they are leaving.

I am excited for Kaitlynn. She has an adventure unfolding. Dreams to work toward, experiences to have, new people to meet. She just called and they are near the Wyoming/Utah border. She feels the way about mountains that I feel about the ocean. There is something comforting and awe-inspiring about them. They are bigger and grander than you could ever possibly be and they are humbling. Its her adventure and now I can live vicariously through her, until that is, we start out on our own in 18 months.

Yes, 18 months til the last butterfly flies off. (I think he is in the cocoon stage right now, if you ask me!) Then its a new season of life for Tom and I . We were just reflecting about not having ever had a chance to "date" and be alone in our married life. We dated with children, we married with children. So in a short time, we get our time together. I do say, for as hard as it is watching them leave, in the back of my mind I keep thinking, wow, we wont have to plan vacations around school breaks anymore, will we??? We can just pick up and go for a long weekend without worrying who was going to have to get where when? I can get used to that!