I wanted to quickly let everyone know that our family has not disappeared off of the face of the earth. We have spent the last two weeks in Boise with Dave's mom. Those of you that know us well know that in December of 2009 Dave's mom was diagnosed with Leukemia. After 10 months of treatments she passed away on October 13 in her home surrounded by most of her family.

Dave was fortunate to have spent a great deal of time with his mom over the past few months. He was able to take her to and from doctors appointments and help her as much as he could. He left for Arizona on Monday the 4th of October for some additional training. He received a call on Wednesday morning that his mom had taken a terrible turn and would probably only have a few days left. He was immediately flown into Boise. The boys and I left the next morning and our entire family was able to spend 4 amazing days with his mom. She was alert and coherent and we were able to say the things that we wanted and needed to say. All of her eight children came from their various locations to be with her. It was the first time in our married life that the entire family was together. I distinctly remember sitting in the room surrounded by Dave's family and an overwhelming feeling of peace came over me knowing that these moments may be on hold for a time but will resume again. Families are forever.

On Sunday the 10th Jean (Dave's mom) asked for him to give her a blessing. It was a sweet blessing and a comfort to us all. Dave knew at that time that the veil was thinning and she would soon leave this earth. The next morning she was no longer as coherent as she had been and she did not recover. October 13th she passed away.

Some things that I want to share are also some of the things that I want to remember forever. She said, "in this life she felt that she was spread a little thin and was not able to take care of all of her kids and grandchildren the way she wanted........ but that she knew that where she was going she would be able to watch over us all the way she wished she could have in this life."

I will also never forget when my little Porter climbed up on her bed and put his arms around her neck and with no prompting from anyone said, "I'm going to miss you Grandma Jean...... but I'll see you again." It was almost more than my little heart could take to hear him say what probably would be his last true goodbye in this life but immediately I felt so lucky to absolutely KNOW that he was right.

Her funeral was on October 16th, also her 59th birthday. It was absolutely beautiful. She asked Dave to giver her Life Sketch. I can honestly say that he gave on of the most sincere and kind talks I have ever heard. He did an excellent job. I know that it was extremely difficult for him but now I think it was an experience he would never give up.

I have so many things that I want to post..... so many things that I want to remember...... so please forgive me if I continue to post things pertaining to this event in our lives. I want to also thank the people who have called, sent cards, made meals and have stopped in to check on us. Your kindness has helped so much. I love those people that are willing to go out of their way just to do something for someone because they know that they might be hurting. These people definitely made a difference for us!!!!! Thank you!!!!

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL 2010

7th Grade

Colton

4th Grade
Kaden

I absolutely hate the first day of school. I spend the day watching the clock and worrying about my boys. Are they scared, worried, homesick, hungry, making friends or feeling lonely? I can't wait until the end of the day when I get to see their cute faces. I'm always hoping for that sparkle in their eyes telling me that they had a great day. I am happy to say this year they both returned happy as can be.

CHANGE IS COMING..........

With the support of my super awesome friends, kids and husband I will begin training as a Dental Assistant on the 26th of August. I will be working for an awesome Dentist here in Morgan part time. This will make it easier for me to be accepted into the Dental Hygiene program when the time comes. I am really excited/nervous to start this journey. I could not have done it without help from my family and friends!!! I love you all!!!! Soooooo wish me luck......... I'm going to need it!!!!

Happy Early Birthday Dave........SURPRISE!!!

Dave left for Arizona yesterday. :( He will only be gone about six weeks but we are still pretty sad to see him go. We miss him every single time he is away. People often say, "I could never do what you do...... or "are you miserable with him being gone so much." You get the general idea. My answer is always the same. Dave and I prayed hard about the decision to go to Flight School and we both had the same answer...... yes we should! I knew that there were sacrifices that would be made by our entire family. Is it hard..... yep! Is it lonely and miserable at times...... yep! BUT there is also a very sweet peace in our home and I ABSOLUTELY KNOW that Heavenly Father will bless us and has blessed us when we are separated.

ANYWAY..... Daves 35th Birthday is on July 30. I decided to throw him a little surprise birthday party before he left. It was soooooo much fun. We have AMAZING friends that will do anything for us. We sure love you guys!!!!!!!

I love this picture..... this is when he walked out and everyone was singing Happy Birthday to him....... doesn't he look thrilled? :)


Our good friend Janice and Rob gave him his very own birthday hat with his new age printed right on front!!!!
Rob and Dave
Dad and Colton

The outside crew

The inside crew
Porter, Jessie and Lindsay

He loves a good cowboy hat!!!!
Dad fixing an inury.... I just love this picture.

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We truly were shocked at the amount of people who came to his party and how much love they show us!!! Atleast every fifteen minutes someone would come and offer to help the boys and I while Dave is away. I've always loved my friends...... but love them more and more every single day.

Welcome Home Colton

This last week Colton has been gone to Scout Camp. He left on Monday morning and returned home this afternoon (Saturday). I was sooooo happy to see him and so were his brothers. Kaden started asking how long he would be gone about 5 hours after he left. It was nice to see how much the little boys missed their big brother.

I had to take a picture of Colton and how dirty and handsome he is. :)

YUCK!!!

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I was so fortunate to have a friend's husband up at Scout Camp with Colton. I asked him to keep an eye out for Colton (just to make me feel better.) He sent me the sweetest email about Colton.

Brother and Sister Patterson:

Following the first day of scout camp, all is well with Colton. He has emerged as the leader of the group even though other boys hold the title of Patrol Leader. I spent three hours on the rifle range with Colton during his merit badge class and witnessed some great maturity and shooting. During the day there were multiple times when the boys got out of hand, but Colton chose not to participate. In one situation he verbally challenged the boys to stop their behavior and in another he left the situation and found something else to do. Your son is a wonderful addition to our Troop and it is a blessing to have him and his priesthood at Camp Tomahawk.

Colton is having a wonderful time, he has been caught smiling ear to ear on more than a few occasions.

Brother Garritson

I am so grateful for Colton. He is such a great example for our entire family. I know that he was sent to me to teach me how to be a better person. We sure love him!!!!

Fourth/Third Of July 2010

We LOVE the 4th of July!!!! This year like most of you we celebrated it on the 3rd. We had a fireworks show in our back yard, ate yummy food and watched The Lightening Thief. It was low key but a ton of fun. I let the boys each pick a food that they wanted to have so we had quite a variety of food. Colton chose hot wings, Kaden chose Chocolate Cake and Porter chose pizza. :)Colton
Kaden

Porter and his cheesy grin

I love this picture of Colton and Dave....

Colton looks like a giant

Who doesn't LOVE sparklers.... they are a must have in my book!!!