If you think it is hard being a parent, wait until you are a grandparent. My heart bleeds when I hear about my grandchildren and what they are going through. I went to the same school for all 12 years so I never had any of those trials like my grandchildren. I cannot stand the idea that Mason is eating alone. What the dickens? Kids can be so cruel. And for Hallie not to get the part...we all know she is so talented. Then Jeff told me today that on McCoy's first day of school, his teacher told Kayla that he was a very bad boy and has no friends. She said it right in front of McCoy. I cannot take such insensitivity. What is wrong with people? I am so upset with all of it. I assumed once I got my kids through school I wouldn't have to worry, but no, I can see this is not the case. I guess this world is all messed up. Tonight I will be praying that things will turn around for everyone. Jeff has to have surgery on his knee. Messed it up when he was here. Kayze's eye surgery is next week. I told Jeff he needs to get rid of the black cloud. They are trying to find a place to rent as well. Gosh, prayers are needed in our family. Love, mom

Try this again...

     I have tried to add to the blog the past few days, but for some reason it would not let me. I am now accessing the blog through Google Chrome and it lets me, but I still cannot type if I go into it through Internet Explorer. Anyways, as if anyone cares! I thought there was a rule that you cannot call people out on this blog? I get on and read others's post everyday, but I either have nothing to add or am in a position where I cannot add at the time. Our home laptops are sketchy, so I really only post at work, and lately work has been pretty busy. 

     First things first, GO BUCKS!!!! College football starts this week, and I am so excited. I have high hopes for the scarlet and grey, so I await the season with cautious optimism. As Sherri and Mom have stated, Justin and Ash moved into our home last week. We are excited to have them stay with us, and the girls have enjoyed playing with Justin this past week. I do worry, they will be bored with Angela and I since we are not the social butterflies they are use to in St. George, and at BYU-Idaho. Our reclusive lifestyle is not for everyone, and quite different than my siblings Sherri, David, Mike, and Jeff, and Mom for that matter. Justin had orientation today, and Ashley had some feelers out there for job possibilities, so hopefully the move to Salt Lake will be good for them. If nothing else, they are 4 hours closer to home/Sherri, plus now the St. George faction will be more motivated to actually stop and say hello when they travel North. It is already working, as we will be having Kamryn and Hallie stay with us this coming weekend, so that Brett and Sherri can celebrate their anniversary properly. We are excited to have them, but I think Ashley and my two girls are far more excited than anyone. It will be a fun weekend, capped with a BBQ at Rick's for Labor Day.

     Our beautiful girls started school last week, so this week will be their official first full week back. So far the first few days of school have been good. Connley was nervous about going to school without Mason, for the first time ever, but on her first day she made a really good friend who was just as nervous as her so they bonded immediately. Starting school as the new kid would be very difficult, especially the older you get. I am glad my girls don't get to upset with all of the moves we have made, but I don't think I could ever ask them to move again. I wish they had more stable friends, and want them to have a good social circle in high school, and am afraid if they don't develop those bonds now, they will not have those good influences in high school. Mason was very excited about 7th grade, and loves having a locker. However, her transition to a new school has not been as smooth as Connley's. They are supposed to have locker buddies, someone they share their locker with. Most kids do not want a locker buddy, because they want their own locker. When you are a new kid, in 7th grade, without any friends you do want a locker buddy. Mason had a locker buddy, whom she never met, but apparently after the first day she moved into a locker with one of her friends. Mason never met her, and is very sad because she was hoping they would become "besties". To make matters worse, Mason's school has floating lunches, so on some days you eat lunch at A time and the other days of the week you eat lunch at B time. Mason has a girl in one of her classes right before B lunch day that she goes to lunch with and eats, but on A day she has been sitting at the end of a lunch table by herself. She talks about it each day, so I know it is really effecting her. Needless to say, as Sherri stated, the desire to protect my kid has caused my heart to hurt and be constantly saddened each day by the situation. I just picture my sweet baby sitting all by herself at a table, watching all the other kids laugh and play around with each other. It really is heart breaking! She even tried to sit with some kids and when she sat down they finished their lunch and walked away. Those kids are dead!!! It was a hard first week, but she has stayed so positive. She is happy and goofy everyday when we get home. As I said, she mentions it so I know it bothers her, but she is trying to not let it get her down I guess. Ah!!! School is way more stressful as a parent than it ever was as a student!

     Other than school, Justin and Ash, things are pretty normal for Angela and I. We continue to work, and spend 23.99 hours together 7 days a week. We ride to work together, which actually has been nice especially for the car pool lane perks, haha. Plus, she makes sure that I do not work too late, since we have to ride home together. We are trying to lay low on our Ward's radar, since we have a new bishopric, so right now we are enjoying being calling free. It has been relaxing. I found out last month, I have 4 classes left to finish my Master's. I should have been done by now, but I took a few semesters off. It was the right decision though because the semesters I took off would have been too busy to perform all of my duties, especially school, to the best of my abilities. So 4 classes, which is 2 more semesters and I am officially over-educated and underpaid. Really I enjoy school, and probably will look for other areas of study to increase my knowledge and portfolio. I do enjoy attending classes much more than online classes, so I am excited to get done with my online classes ASAP. 

     Sherri, perhaps you should tell Hallie they could not cast her as an orphan, because the audience would have been confused about who Annie was her or someone else(since she looks so much like Annie with that red hair). Oh and as for Kamryn and football games, if I were you and Brett, I would become a fan of the Snow Canyon Warriors football team real fast. I would attend every game! Those football games are bad news!!! I remember attending football games, and it was not for the sport that is for sure. It is too bad to hear about this creep boy, but better now than later maybe. I do not look forward to the high school years at all. We will keep all of your girls in our prayers. Ok, I have fulfilled my annual obligation so I better go now. Haha! Just kidding. Ta-ta for now.    

Forgot something

PS... at Hallie's basketball game today...they played 7th & 8th graders from Vegas. She's one of 3 6th graders on her team. She was the shortest on the court. The entire Vegas team was well, black and big! Needless to say, she got tromped. Wasn't a huge boost to her self=esteem after not making Annie. I'm kind of laughing as I'm typing this because why do I tell you this?? To add dramatics to my weekend of course:)))  Don't worry though, she said she's not quitting ball!

LOVE YOU

Miseries of Motherhood weekend

Well...  been a hard weekend for this mom. There is nothing worse than wanting to save your child from heartache, but not being able to. I probably shouldn't have titled my post Miseries of Motherhood, because I love being a mom. However, it is so hard sometimes. I know we have all gone through those same feelings.
So...its not some "huge" thing...but...

Hallie decided the first day of school to try out for the school play "Annie". Her and one other friend immediately began practicing. Then the day before auditions, Hallie encouraged another friend of hers to try out. Her friend didn't really want to, but Hallie told her it would be fun and she should at least try. The day of auditions, her friend agreed. Hallie stayed with her and helped her practices lines, etc. SO, long story short...the two friends both made orphan parts and Hallie did not. She was totally heartbroken! Then lamented that it wasn't fair because her friend hadn't even wanted to do it in the first place. What do ya do?? Nothing but let her cry in your arms! Life is just that way sometimes! STINKS.

Then...Kamryn went to her first high school football game. Came home crying. What happened you wonder? She gave in and kissed a boy. Now everyone is talking about it and texting her about it. Well...what can I say? Dumb yes. I can't save her reputation or make her choices always. She has got to decide what and who she wants to be. I'm glad she felt like she could tell me. But man...the whole thing with her stresses this mom out. I want the "good boys" flocking to her and instead I have the punks trying to "conquer". I hate it!

Then...Kamryn went canoeing with the YW today. We had forgotten about it. Brett was working. I had a ball game with Hallie. So when we realized we had forgotten, she didn;t want to go. I told her she needed to! It ended in disaster. Again, long story short, she ended up alone in a canoe. She couldn't get anywhere on her own. Started drifting. Ended up across lake. Leaders took her friend McCall out in another canoe to help her. Leaders were back across lake and realized they had capsized. At this point, it began pouring rain and lightening. Girls were screaming for help, trying to get canoe tipped back but it was too heavy. The ended up having to leave canoe to sink and swim to shore. They were exhausted, freezing, and scared to death as lightening was all around. Now... Coincidence? Nope. Kam said as she was out there she realized that she was stuck and needed help. That she couldn't get to safety alone. She said she prayed and knows she needs the standards to help in in life. So there ya go...scary scary (all leaders have been calling all day...a mini subway experience for her) BUT...as scary as it was, I think it was supposed to happen.

Then...I had already told you about Kenna having a tough week.

SO...It's just been a challenging weekend for me. BUT, as I prepare to give a talk tomorrow in another ward (yes, add that to the list), I realize its ALL good! My faith is strong. My knowledge that we all NEED our Heavenly Father is real. We need commandments, guidance, prayer, scriptures, prophets, family...we need it all! I'm grateful for that knowledge and testimony! I love you my family...and YES, I do love being a mom. Thanks for listening!
Love,
SIS

Friday!!

I'm happy for the weekend...this getting up early everyday for school is killing me (Hallie has to be up at 6). However, I also dislike that its Friday because that means I'm a week away again from hearing from McKenna! Her P-day is on Thursday, which is when I get to hear. She is doing well overall. Really loves her companion and district. She has had a tough week though with the language. She feels like she just isnt getting it. I'm sure its frustrating, especially when it seems the others are getting it. So, lets all keep her in our prayers :))
Everything else is pretty same. School has been a new adjustment for girls. I can't believe Kam is a freshman! She's going to high school football game tonight! Good grief. Ash & Justin are living with Mark & Angie and loving it. Justin is so excited to be starting a new job Monday (with IHC). Brett's back is continually improving, which is a huge relief! And as for me...I've decided I need something to do. I feel like my kids are big, and I spend most of my time either cleaning, driving, baking cupcakes, or looking at pictures of Kenna. I have thought about substitute teaching. Any thoughts? I figure it makes some money and is flexible. I don't know... OH, and next week, Brett & I celebrate 23 YEARS!! Crazy huh?!?!
Well, keep posted...Mark & Jeff!! You two are slacking. Hope everyone is well. Love you all!!
SIS

I heard the best definition of accountability yesterday that I have ever heard. "You can count on me." Love, Mom

hello

Well, it seems that I am writing to myself these days since I am not even sure that anyone is reading the family blog. I will keep trying a short time longer. Perhaps you will want to keep reading it since we will probably announce where we are going on our mission right here in the family blog. No big announcements otherwise so you might want to stay connected. I had a great email from Sister Remund this week..she is having a wonderful time in the MTC and sounds so happy. The Provo temple reopened so she was going to get to go and was most happy about that. She and I were terrific temple companions prior to her leaving..I sure miss her already. She leaves the MTC on September 9th. Wow, seems so quick. I showed my house this week for a possible rental..they liked it but haven't committed. I have time but want to be prepared. You know me...always have to be ahead of everything. I don't know how to fly by the seat of my pants. Spent several sessions in the temple this week. I know my ancestors are rejoicing. Also worked on family history and found at least 20 more names...so am hopeful my kiddoes will help me get their work done while I am on my mission. I told Sherri she will be in charge of the names, but she didn't seem too interested. hahahaha. Well, hope all is well with my children. Many fires around Utah and Idaho so hope no one getting too close to those. Ohio is having fall weather already. I miss fall in Ohio the most. Have a good week. Love, Mom

Going on TWO weeks

It will be two weeks Wednesday since McKenna has left (and yes, I have a countdown going).  I will say that it was a lot harder than I expected. That sweet girl added a great presence and spirit in our home, and I miss her terribly. And I will tell ya that her dad misses her terribly also! It has been very tender to watch him. We had a wonderful experience with her setting apart and send-off. The spirit was tangible! As difficult as it has been, I feel much peace and happiness about it all. I know with everything in me that this is the best thing she could be doing. It also helps that she is happy. We have gotten two letters from her and one email. She loves it! I can already see the change in her after a week. It will be exciting to watch her grow even more. We started her blog so you can all get on and read her emails. She is craving letters...so there are 3 ways that you can write her.
1. Standard mail: Sister McKenna Remund
                           SEP09 PHI-BAC
                            2007 N. 900 E. Unit 24
                            Provo, UT 84602
2. DearElder.com : we have account set up. You just have to put her information in which is SEP09, PHI-BAC Unit 24. She will get it the same day if its in before noon, otherwise she will get it the next day. Easy and no postage needed.
3. EMAIL- she will get her emails once a week on her P-day, which is the only time she can write. Her email is mckenna.remund@myldsmail.net

I know she would love to hear from you :-)) Thanks!

As far as everything else...pretty much same. Girls start school Wednesday...much to their dismay. Its only exciting the first couple days with friends and new clothes...then downhill from there :)) My house seems SO quiet! Weird.

We had an INCREDIBLE family vacation in Yellowstone!! We LOVED every minute of it!!! Overall, we had a great summer. Hope you all did as well! I enjoy thinking back on when you were all here. Good memories! Thanks for posting some pictures on facebook Kayla! I would love to get a copy of them all. And a DVD of the family talent (variety) show! Its so important that we do that...especially for our kids! Thanks for making the effort to be here!

Ash & Justin are moving to Salt Lake this week. HUGE shout-out and thank  you to Mark & Angie for their willingness to let them stay at their house until they get established with jobs, money and finding a place. That is very kind of you both, and we love ya to pieces! I'm excited to have them a little bit closer than Rexburg!

Hope everyone is well! I love you all! Take care!
Love, SIS
                         

papers submitted

Well, Rick and I have submitted our missionary papers as of Friday and the Bishop has submitted to the Stake President already so just dependent now on seeing the Stake President and then they will go direct to the powers that be to decide where we will serve. We put down that we will be retiring end of year and want to leave in January so we are hopeful. Will let you all know when we hear something. Pretty exciting for us. I don't see much blogging going on with my family. Guess everyone is busy busy busy. I know Sherri's kids are back in school this week. Guess everyone is wrapping up their summer fun. Jeff and Kayla celebrated 9 years of marriage this week. Wow, the years sure go fast. Can you believe that Sherri and Brett will have 23 years of marriage in later this month? Rick and I went to Pine Valley yesterday just to smell the pines and get out of the heat. Good memories of last month with the family. I love Pine Valley. We couldn't play cards though...too windy. we went from 102 degrees to 79 degrees. Very refreshing. Well, I am teaching Relief Society today so better get moving. I know Michael and Catherine are visiting at Mark and Angela's this weekend with Catherine's parents. Hope they are enjoying their time. Love to all, MOm

happy/sad week

What a week for our family! McKenna is in the MTC and Sherri already has a letter in hand. Wow, so much quicker than when my sons were in the MTC. Sounds like she is doing great already...who is surprised? We knew she would do well and be happy. It was a rocky road for MOM and DAD and a bit of a tough thing for Grandma as well. I have to say, it is a good thing the church is true. This is hard stuff to do...I so admire McKenna for going off and leaving all that she knows for the next 18 months. Just as I admired Mark and Jeff those many years ago. Guess my turn to be strong is coming up soon. Actually, my papers are ready to be turned in...Rick has his physical this week and then we will be ready to submit. Time is going quickly. Less than 5 months until retirement. Went to the temple many times this week. Wow, it is so amazing to get some of my work done for long dead relatives. I was able to go yesterday and seal my mother's sister to her husband and also I sealed 4 children to their parents from the 1800's. I guess my obsession is redeeming my dead.I do love it though. Not much more to report from here.Just working hard at the hospital, temple work, family history and praying for my children. Hope each of you are surviving the continued economic difficulties of our day. I went to the grocery yesterday and wondered again how you do it when you have to feed growing children??? I love you each for working hard, for trying your best to be good people and for all you do. Love, Mom