Provo Day with Kel

It's been 4 days since we dropped Kel off and I have regrouped. One wouldn't think that a house of 6 would be noticeably quiet with one gone, but it is.

I am recording the day of Kel's MTC dropoff to have a record of it for him.

Kel woke up at 5am. By 5:30 am, he was showered, shaved and dressed in his suit, attempting to wake up his family. By 6am, he left the hotel room to enjoy the free breakfast and warm fireplace in the hotel lobby. By 7am, he resigned himself to the fact that no one was waking up, so he undressed, and went back to bed.

At 10:30 am, I woke him up. At 11am, he was once again ready. He asked for father's blessing before we checked out. After the blessing, we all took a moment with him to say goodbye.

Since he didn't have to report until 1:30pm, Kel asked if we could go buy him a lint brush. He thought his suit looked dirty. We drove to Costco. While Greg got gas, the boys and I walked around Costco looking for a lint brush. We bought a pack of 5 for $9.99. Kel asked for 2, just in case one didn't work. By noon, we were eating lunch at Five Guys Burgers. Kel ordered Cajun fries. Next door is a yogurt shop where we had dessert. Across the street was a Deseret Book where we lingered. Kel picked out a CTR ring and panicked when he realized it was 1:07 pm.

We left and drove first to the temple and asked a mother/daughter walking to take a few pictures for us.

As we pulled up to the MTC, Kel was staring out the window at all the new arrivals. He commented, "what did I get myself into?" I laughed and told him that he "could figure it out with all those missionaries reporting."

As predicted, the drop off was QUICK! As he walked away, I ran to him for one last goodbye. When I started to cry, he told me not to.

New

I know change is necessary. Sometimes, I really celebrate a change, other times, I dread any changes. Our family had a change today and though I realize it's a most wonderful opportunity of growth, it is nevertheless, a change. It takes me awhile to get used to change, so bear with me, while I do my best to celebrate this one.

How Clean Is Clean?

On Sunday, I anticipate having lots of family and friends over to eat, talk, and say good bye to Kel. In preparation for a fun filled day, I started to do some cleaning. While cleaning, I pondered whether Greg and I are "clean and tidy" people. I thought that we must be because aside from working all day, I feel like I am constantly picking up things, mostly not mine. Next I began to ponder, "how clean is clean?" Is it good enough that everything is in its place, the house vacumned, the floors mopped, the furniture dusted, and the windows sparkling? Do I need to wipe the baseboards, put DVDs and CDs in the right cases, declutter drawers, etc. Then it dawned on me that if my family and friends care about how clean my house is while they are getting a free meal, they can just leave, after they clean up after themselves, of course!

Two weeks

Why is it that no matter what I do with a deadline, when I hear "two weeks", I go into panic mode. This repeated behavior began years ago with my upcoming marriage, then the birth of children, and so forth.

Kel leaves in two weeks. I am panicked about what we still need to do to get him ready. This is further compounded by the fact that Kel is no help at all. When asked, "Do you think we should go buy you a blanket? Do you think we should buy you some luggage, a raincoat, anything?" His constant reply, "I don't care, whatever you want mom. I don't need anything, really." ARGH! I know he needs stuff!

Unlike other women, I hate shopping. So, when Kel says he doesn't need stuff (that he needs), I am off the hook from shopping! It's not that I don't like spending money, I do, ask Greg. I just hate the tediousness of looking for stuff.

So, who wants to take some time and go get us much needed luggage, a garment bag, an electric blanket, and a raincoat. That should about do it. I will give you some money, with a tip for lunch!

Anonymous

I have a huge issue with people who have strong opinions and then sign "anonymous." So, in response to all you "anonymous" people out there, I would like to propose the following thought:

ANONYMOUS IS ANOTHER NAME FOR COWARD!

If you feel strongly enough about something, have the back bone to sign your name. I have.

Hoai My Winder

Kel's mission call

As predicted by Heidi Wixom, and probably others, Kel's mission call was in the mail today. He took his time opening it (15 minutes) to torture us. His reaction was to jump up to hug me while shouting, "English speaking!" Then, he read to us, Philadelphia, PA, MTC March 24.

How perfect is this mission for Kel!?

Really!?

Honestly, this came as quite a surprised and I really won't believe it until it is awarded but (drum roll).....
I have been named middle school PE teacher of the year...

Really!? Right!