Thursday, 8-26

First day alone. Typical morning, dragged myself to work and got caught up on school stuff (luckily no papers this week). Stopped by Barnes & Noble on my way home and had new shipment in of Mockingjay. Decided I had better stop by Home Depot and get a new washing machine. Must have be inspiration as I met Michael in the parking lot. He helped me pick out a new machine. The sales guy was really nice and told us about an LG that was not on the floor for a great price (including $225 in rebates) and then spent 10 minutes helping us fill out the rebate forms. Would take @ 1 hour on your own). Because it was such a great deal Michael purchased a new one for Mutti. I then had to rush to my HOA board meeting, which went well and then stopped by the family history center to explain to Michael (had to leave early) how to complete the rebates. We went and got some dinner at Panda and then Mutti showed up so we sat and talked for a while. Yes, this is leading towards something..I then went home and vegged in front on the tv for a while and was just getting up @ 9:15 p.m. to go to bed and start reading my book when my phone rings. I answer it as I do not recognize the number it is Tyler's MTC Branch President informing me that Tyler has no bedding and if we could bring some down. I assured him we would bring it down immediately and not wait another night. Apparently he slept on a mattress with no bedding the first night (horrors!). I called Michael because it was in the back of his trunk. He is going to mail send it UPS for me to New Jersey. He came right down with Mutti and we drove down to Provo. We get to the MTC and go to the front desk to drop it off and they look at us like we are crazy and proceed to inform us that the MTC does provide bedding and all that is needed is a call to Housekeeping. I ask them if they can do it that night so he does not go another night without bedding. I then call his Branch President back and request that he please follow-through. We were in shock the entire way home and cannot believe that nobody did anything the first night. I received a call this morning from his Branch President to assure me Tyler now has bedding. What a start - at least he already has a story to tell. I didn't get home until @ 10:00 p.m. which did not give me any time to start my book other than to read the end. I'm good with the ending so can't wait to start reading.

First Email

Dear Family,

we were given a few min. to send an email. I am having a great time so far. I don't have a lot of time today to write but I will send you more on my P-day. but I love you and hope to hear from you soon.

Received at 8-25-10 @ 8:17 p.m. So relieved and thrilled to hear from him so quickly.

MTC

Wednesday, Aug. 25th Enters MTC

Tyler's check-in time for entering the MTC was 1:30 p.m. He had to be up at 6:30 a.m. (mission rules). I invited Mutti and Michael down for breakfast at 7:30 a.m. as they had the day off. So I had to drag myself out of bed at 7:30 a.m. I made omelets with sauteed onions and peppers with cheese, muffins, and bacon. Mutti did not make it down but we enjoyed a nice breakfast. We then had to finish packing everything. We decided to take out his pillow, sheets, and blanket and mail them to him so he would have more room in his luggage. We were not 100% sure if he would need them at the MTC but did not think so. We then loaded everthing in the car and Tyler drove his car over to grandma's. He is letting grandpa drive it while he is gone. We were nice and cleaned it out (don't think Tyler ever heard of a vacuum). The morning kind of dragged by. We ran by Alpine Credit Union and Walmart,wanted to see if had Mockinjay but they were also sold out and then tried Barnes & Noble, also sold-out. Everywhere we went people would stop Tyler and ask if he was leaving on a mission. The Wal-mart greater was so excited for him and asked if she could give him a hug. A couple from the MTC were in Barnes & Noble and told him a little about what to expect at the MTC. We decided to go to lunch at La Caterreta. I was planning on Olive Garden but Tyler doesn't really like it. After a nice lunch Mutti had to leave to go stay with Kate so said good-bye. We stopped back by my parents so my father could say good-bye and then headed down to the MTC. By now things were speeding by and Tyler was starting to get a little nervous. We parked across the street to say our good-byes (MTC under construction) and then directed us across the street to drop him off. They have it well organized and numbers placed along the curb. You park at the nearest number, get the luggage out, and a greeter helps you with your luggage and takes you in. Very quick. It is hard to leave knowing that you will not see them again for two years, although you feel like you just dropped them off for camp. I got home and started cleaning out his bathroom and bedroom some more. It is now very empty. Michael, David, and I went shopping. My washing machine broke so we stopped by Home Depot and Sears and looked around the mall.

Cold Stone

Missionary

Tyler was set apart as a missionary Tuesday, Aug. 24th at 7:30 p.m. It was a very nice setting apart and a beautiful evening. Afterwards we went to Cold Stone for ice-cream and had an enjoyable time filling our bodies with sugar (Oreo's with strawberries and choc. syrup - Yum! Tyler of course had cheesecake)and enjoying the weather. Michael stopped by Target with us afterwards for some last minute shopping. I was looking for the Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins but they were sold out. Tyler was supposed to in bed by 10:30 p.m. (mission rules) but we were a little late doing some last minute packing and getting his back-pack packed. A lot to go through and started going through his clothes to determine what he wants to keep and what I can get rid off.

MTC Celebration Dinner

I went to Market Street Grill last week with some fellow employees and was reminded once again how delicious fresh seafood tastes. We dined on shrimp cocktail and halibut Oscar. I decided it would be the perfect place to have a last meal with Tyler so he could get the king crab legs. We invited the family and decided to go to the one in Sandy instead of downtown. We get there and the parking lost is empty. They do not serve lunch on Saturdays. I know - ridiculous so we decided to just go to Red Lobster instead. Although no comparison we all got some crab legs and enjoyed a last dinner with Tyler before he goes to the MTC.

Red Butte Gardens - Norah Jones

We had the opportunity on the 20th to attend the Red Butte Gardens Norah Jones Concert. Although not big fans, we actually left early, the venue is nice and we had a nice dinner.

Disneyland - booked & ready

Michael and I booked our Disnelyand vacation last night and made our reservations to the Blue Bayou on the 12th (Michael's Bday) and character breakfast on the 16th. We are planning on booking Ariels Grotto for the 13th for Davids bday but they are not yet taking reservations for Ariels Grotto and World of Color, which we are trying to do both at the same time. We also booked our flights and luckily we did because there were not a lot of seats left on the flights we chose. Michael and David purchased Halloween lanyards online and a couple of pins. So cute - I love Halloween and may have to get me one and some mouse ears this time.

Kate

Kate is still in the hospital and is deteriorating. She is at the highest dosage of her seizure medication. They took her off the Adaman (?) to see if she how she would do on her own. She had a seizure yesterday for 27 minutes. They of course put her back on the medication. Our thoughts and prayers are with her and with Kristina and Scott. We hope that everyone can find peace.

Owlz

Tyler went with me to the Orem Owlz game last night with Kiwanis. I am just not a big fan of baseball and was ready to leave after the second inning. We stayed until the end though, because this is Tyler's last chance to see a game before his mission. The Owlz were able to pull off a win 10-6 in the last batter of the last inning. They lucked out because there was a new pitcher for the other team and he was awful. He walked four players in a row which brought the score to 6-6. He then threw an easy pitch over the plate and the next player (with the bases loaded) knocked it out of the park to end the game. Tyler was pretty happy. Don't know why the coach didn't change the pitcher. I'm assuming he couldn't because it made no sense that they left him in.

EMT Practical

Tyler recieved notification that he passed his practical exam and is now certified. Congrats Tyler!! We practices a few times and he did really well in practice and made it this time within the time limit. He earned 9 college credits for EMT. He is pretty excited.

Tyler's Farewell

Wow, what a weekend. I had planned to make pulled pork with Neeley's peach BBQ sauce, Ty's favorite. I purchased four large Boston Butt roast and put them in the freezer outside, because they were on sale for $1.29/pound. A week ago I was out cleaning the backyard and decided to get the air blower out to blow away the stuff on the patio. I decided I needed a longer extension cord so unhooked one in the garage. Well who knew, but it was the cord to the freezer. On Thursday we discovered that it had been unplugged for four days and all the meat of course ruined. So I had to go on Saturday and purchase four more roasts.
Friday Michael and my mom cleaned the house. Michael had to work Saturday so I knew he would not be able to help. My mom and I planned on going shopping Saturday morning. I didn't get to bed until 1:00 a.m. and at 8:00 a.m. my mom called. Kate was in the PICU again with a respiratory infection and she needed to shop that morning so she could go to the hospital. So I got up and we went to Smith's for the meat and Winco for everything else. She hired her friend Daysha to clean off the chairs and tables. Michael was already at the hospital and was able to get off work so my mom did not have to go up to Primary's (Children's hospital). Shopping wore her out.
Saturday I made the cone cupcakes, Barefoot Contessa peanut butter brownies and chocolate brownies. I love the recipe but they take a long time to make. Have to melt a pound of choc., butter, and unsweetened choc. in a double boiler and then mix them with eggs and sugar. They also have to cool and be placed in the fridge. I then made the BBQ sauce, watered the flowers, planted some new plants, straightened and cleaned, went to Home Depot, and can't remember what else. I started at 8:00 a.m. and got home @ 9:30 p.m. I then worked with Tyler on finishing his talk and went to bed before I passed out.
I had to be up by 6:30 to start making the veggie dip (Barefoot Contessa) and fruit dip (Paula Dean), and frosting. I took over my supplies to my mom's. Plus started to cook the eggs to make deviled eggs. I left @ 9:00 a.m. to go to Linda's sons homecoming. I was so exhausted but her son did a great job and helped me to relax before heading back over to my parents (after a quick stop at home to get some forgotten supplies). A couple of women from my parents ward came over to help cut veggies and fruit and shred the pork. Amazingly we got everything done by noon and mostly set up in preparation for after the meeting.
Tyler did a fantastic job speaking and on his talk. He wrote the majority himself with only a little help from me. He has such a great presence and speaks well in front of people. The entire family was able to attend other than Mark. Kristina and Scott even came down. Kate's teachers stayed with her at the hospital. She is now doing better and been moved out of the PICU.
We had lots of friends and family come for which is offer a big Thank You for your support. I managed to finally leave and make my way back to my parents. There car was just in front of me and as we turned down their street it was lined with cars on both sides and a huge crowd of people in the front yard and street. We were so amazed and it was totally unexpected. It turned out to be a great event.
Some of the people who came: Lynn & Karen Bradford, Julie Watts, Arthur Newell, Verl Tidwell & his wife, Scott Stuart (a jr. high friend of Mark's who has stayed in contact with the family and we love. Thanks for driving up from St. George!), Brenda & Willard Hansen, Shirley Ruppe, Linda & Paul Gause (she still had guests at her home but came and supported Ty - Thanks!), and many others. We were so overwhelmed by the support of so many.
At 5:00 p.m. we started cleaning up. I had purchased 8 dozen rolls and we ended with 3 left. I made it home by 6:30 p.m. totally exhausted. I'm still recovering.

Emily, Sabrina, & Madison

Barbara came out for Tyler's farewell. The girls spent the day at my parents and were outside when the sprinklers came on and immediately asked if they could play in the water. As you can see they did and had a lot of fun. Saturday I French-braided their hair before they went to Hogle Zoo with Tyler. They also enjoyed going to Home Depot with us and were very well behaved. Of course we had to buy them a treat. We can't go into the store without getting treats!

Adopting

I have always wanted to adopt but the time has never been right. Mary Preston stopped by the office with her daughter that she just picked up from China. She is so adorable. I think it took them at least five years to go through the process. I am thinking that I might submit an application to China next year so that by the time I am done with school the process should be completed. I will have only two more years of school by that time.

Ty - St. George

Tyler went with Grandma down to St. George on Monday (9th). I made arrangements for them to see Tarzan at the Tuacahn. They both loved it. It has been getting great reviews and is sold out every night that they have added on a few shows. Yesterday they went to the St. George temple which Tyler really liked. Last night they went to the Shakespearean Festival and saw "Much Ado About Nothing." They apparently didn't have great seats but there was not much available when I purchased them. Today they are making their way and stopping by the Manti temple.
Sunday, he found out his topic for his farewell. I mentioned to him in the afternoon that I did not have a lot of time so to start working on it early this week so I can review it. Later that night I was in bed reading and got up to do something and Tyler was sitting at the computer writing his talk. He wrote three pages really quickly.
Sunday of course is his farewell and creeping up fast. He is going to Education Week next week and then he goes into the MTC. He and Onkel Michael brought his luggage over Sunday (been storing it at my parents). We also went shopping to get him a pillow, sheets, and a blanket. He was pretty excited over his $65 pillow. We of course got it on sale for $45 but he thought that special because usually I do not spend that much on pillows. He also got a couple of new ties. We are just trying to focus on the last minute stuff that he needs. He also had to mail a bio and send his driving record to his mission which we took care of.

Neeley's Cone Cakes

I saw the Neeley's make red velvet cone cakes which I wanted to try for Tyler's farewell. Leslie Pugh, our friend from Washington, was in town and came over for dinner and to catch up. I made ribs with a peach BBQ sauce (also Neeley's which Ty loves) and the cone cakes. Believe it or not they actually work and bake right in the cone and were yummy. Easy and so cute. You have to give them a try. We had a fun evening visiting with Leslie and her daughter Anna.

MATC Graduation

Tyler had graduation from MATC on August 5th at Mountain View High School. He graduated as an EMT. MVHS had new seats installed in the auditorium. Unfortunately the lightening storm had caused problems with the air conditioner, which had to be shut down. Wow, was it hot and stuffy. Luckily they did not keep us long.

Family Home Evening

I decided to make pizza Monday night and pulled a couple of recipes for dough off FoodNetwork. I mentioned it to my mom and she invited us over to make pizza with the family. She decided she wanted to grill the dough (as seen by Barefoot Contessa) although I used Wolfgang Puck's recipe. They turned out pretty good. I will have try it again and roll the dough out and bake it. The dough is easy to make and takes much better than store purchased dough. I also need to add some spices to the sauce. I used canned tomatoes as pizza sauce has a lot of sugar in it but forgot to add spices. It was a little blah as Tyler informed me.

Sky Diving

Tyler before going in to sky-dive. He was very excited and calm and loved it. When he gets back he wants to certify.

We Are Going to Disneyland

I'm so excited. I have to go to California for one week for school and started planning the trip this morning. I was looking at my road atlas and will be in Costa Mesa which is only 14 miles from Disneyland and I have a week off from school after my residency. How perfect is that. I'm so excited.

Like Mummy like Son

It amazes me how much behavior is learned. Yesterday at church we were sitting on the benches. The two hymn books were placed in the holder on their sides. Usually they are vertical. I used one and Tyler has a pocket one that he uses. I placed it back in the holder vertically after the sacrament hymn. A few minutes later Tyler reaches over and sets the other vertically so they are the same. I had to laugh. He then sits and straightens his suit multiple times before getting up to share his testimony.
He is really thoughtful and reflectful about what he says. He spoke about going to the temple and how he experienced how attending the temple strengthens ones testimony. He is going to make a great missionary. I shared mine as well because I realized that this is his last fast Sunday before he leaves on his mission. The Linds invited him over for dinner after church because they are unable to make it to his farewell.