What's up?

Here's a quick update...

Jay is great!   Has worked a couple late nights this week.  Ran 8 miles with me this morning!  We're preparing for a 1/2 marathon on March 3!  He's playing church ball!  HE TURNED 50!

Taralynn and Kory are ready or not!  Baby is due in 1 1/2 weeks!  Crazy!  They are preparing mentally and physically!  They will be terrifc parents and we can't wait to meet him!

Amy is working.  She works with Taralynn on the other side of the computer!  It's fun having them talk to each other during the day through skype.  My days don't seem nearly as lonely!  She starts another new job this next week.  More on that soon!  Applications in for EFY counselor/Time to Blossom counselor AND grad school!

Scott is in school--and snowboarding!  He only has classes on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.  He is enjoying the slopes occasionally too.  His best friend, Hunter, comes home from his mission next week!  Scott will visit Mesa for a weekend in February to see him!  He had four friends receive mission calls this week (two were roommates) - to Texas, Mexico, Africa and Russia!  More waiting!

Jason had knee surgery yesterday.  The only way you'd know is that there is a brace on his leg.  He looks great and feels great.  Surgery went as predicted.  His recovery time is 3-6 weeks.  Basketball season ends this week and then on to track.  We've loved the basketball season.  He is anxious to get the okay from the doctor to snowboard! 

Young Women is my part-time job and I love serving them and spending time with them!  We recently had a sunrise program where we challenged them to SHINE (S-scriptures, H-Honor Bee and Personal Progress, I-Improve Yourself, N-New Era, E-Experience Prayer).  These are all things that help me in my life.  They make a difference!  Try taking part!

My full-time job is my favorite!  I'm a Mom--soon to be grandma!  I spend my time with my kids when I can, helping them as I can, and imagining what it will feel like to hold my very own grandson! 

Thinking of all of you ,

Lori

Texts to never be forgotten...

I text.  Never thought I would.  Sometimes wish I didn't.  But I text. 

My whole premise for not wanting to text is to never "loose the voice."  I try to call when I can.  Sometimes I get a text that I want to save forever.  I try to save them as long as I can and re-read them when I need a boost or a laugh or a reminder of the good in my life. 


But then my inbox gets full and I have to selectively delete...So today I decided that before emptying my box, I would record some of these favorite texts so they will never be forgotten!

Friday June 24, 2011.  

***Leaving Idaho after a very good time with Taralynn. She had told us on this trip that she was expecting!  She was a little sick while I was there...

Taralynn's TEXT:  love you too!  I need you to come back!

Mom's TEXT:  I'd love to!  when?

Taralynn's TEXT:  Monday? ha ha just soon.

Friday July 15, 2011

**I'm always wondering what my kids are doing, especially on the weekend!

Scott's TEXT:  Hey if you're wondering, I'm going to the Funk's house tonight by Park City and then maybe rafting tomorrow.

Saturday July 16, 2011

Scott's TEXT:  Fun time river rafting.  we went under that bridge where the tour guides tell you to get out!

Wednesday July 20, 2011

Scott's TEXT:  Have we already paid a lot to BYU-I?

***This was the beginning of a series of texts and phone calls when Scott was deciding he may want to  stay in Provo for Fall semester rather than transferring to BYU-I, as planned...

Scott's TEXT:  ...just weighing my options because I didn't know so many people were staying here and josh is staying in Provo but going to ldsbc and I had a scholarship there.

Monday July 25, 2011

***Scott came home for a weekend--for his birthday, for a friend's mission farewell.  It was a last minute decision on his part so the flight cost more than it would have if he had said "yes" when I had asked him a month ahead if he wanted to come home.  Hence, even though it was his birthday, his mean Mom made him pay $100 for that plane ticket!

Scott's TEXT:  Thanks Mom.  I had a blast here.  Well worth the 100$.  Love you too!  Thanks for the pants and presents.

Saturday July 30, 2011

**I was at girls camp when I got this text.  Had been so busy that I hadn't really contacted my kids!  It was a pleasant, happy surprise...!

Scott's TEXT:  Went to Sundance with Thorntons today.  It was fun.  How's girls camp?

Friday August 5, 2011

Scott's TEXT:  am I remembering wrong, or was dad a dealer in a casino once?

***for the record, Jay was an auditor at a casino once...not a dealer!

Tuesday August 30, 2011

***Scott started his Fall classes...

Scott's TEXT:  I was feeling good about accounting until he put up a slide that basically said this class is too hard for freshman

Mom's TEXT:  what exactly did the slide say?

Scott's TEXT:  Beware Freshman!

Thursday September 1, 2011

Scott's TEXT:  got 100% on my first accounting quiz!

Tuesday October 4, 2011

Scott's TEXT:  Why is college so hard!?  ughh

Thursday October 6, 2011
 ***Kory's birthday!  We had gotten him a new hunting pack.

Taralynn's TEXT:  Kory has already transferred everything from his old pack to his new one.  He showed me how much better this one is.  He has been wearing it around and now even has his camo on!

Monday December 12, 2011

Amy's TEXT:  I got the job!!  despite Greta not returning a call...apparently Dr. Duncan said enough good things.

Monday December 26, 2011
**one of Jason's Christmas presents was Suns tickets.  He and a friend got to go early for a tour of the arena and watch them warm up.  Jay, Amy, Scott and I dropped them off and then ran to get a bite to eat before heading to the game for our "nose bleed" seats.  I got this text while we were eating...

Jason's TEXT:  we saw Steve Nash walking through the tunnel towards the locker room.  I almost fainted.
Then this one after Jason was in his seat, waiting for the game to start...

Jason's TEXT:  It was awesome.  We got Josh Childress, Jared Dudley and Markieff Morris's autographs.

Tuesday January 3, 2012

***after a great day with Scott--moving him into Heritage Halls!  He was grateful for my help and thanked me multiple times.  I sensed a bit of sadness when I hugged him goodbye.  A trip I will always remember...

Scott's TEXT:  Love you too.  I'll miss you!  Thanks for your help today

Thursday January 5, 2012

***a few days later I asked him how he was doing.  He used a word that I never thought I'd hear from Scott...HOMESICK!

Scott's TEXT:  Missing Jake as a roommate a little, but mostly I'm just a little homesick - for the 1st time since I have been at BYU

Mom's TEXT:  Homesick?  Why do you think?

Scott's TEXT:  I'm not sure.  Maybe just becasue in Mesa I saw what I'm missing

Mom's TEXT:  What are you missing most?

Scott's TEXT:  the ward.  and I guess not rooming with someone from Mesa. it's just sinking in that Monson is gone and that I'm leaving soon

Sunday January 8, 2012
***after a great visit with Taralynn and Kory--getting her ready for baby!  A trip I will always remember...
Taralynn's TEXT:  Thanks for coming.  It was very helpful!  We are looking forward to your next visit too.  Love you. 
***the last conversation we had before I left was her wanting us to move to Idaho after Jason graduates from high school!  I told her not to hold her breath on that request, but it was a compliment.  She's sure I will reconsider after the baby is born!

Saturday January 14, 2012

Scott's TEXT:  I'm proud of myself.  I lit a match on my jeans today like grandpa allen

***sometimes I get the most random texts from Scott that make me smile...and wonder what he's up to!  He likes it that way, I'm sure of it!

Saturday January 14, 2012

Amy's TEXT:  Tell Dad I may have found someone to go to the suns/kings game with me.  So don't give away the tickets. ha.

Wednesday January 18, 2012

Scott's TEXT:  What should I buy if I want to start cooking more and eating better?  I'm getting eggs for breakfast but what about lunch and dinner?

Thursday January 19, 2012

**Taralynn was training a new girl at work via the computer.  She was not very computer literate apparently...asked her how her training was going and got this response...

Taralynn's TEXT:  Yes.  Definitely learning patience.  I am already learning patience by being pregnant though so having to learn it in another way at the same time is hard!

Thursday January 19, 2012

***Amy missed one of Jason's basketball games because she was babysitting a family of eight kids under the age of 11 for the weekend.  I sent a text to her about how the game went...

Amy's TEXT:  glad they won.  My night is good.  all kids in bed.  now I need to sleep since they'll be up at 6!!!

Saturday January 21, 2012

**from a friend after our Stake Young  Women sunrise program

TEXT:  I think Heavenly Father saved one of His most spectacular sunrises for you this morning.  I almost cried when I saw how beautiful it was this morning knowing you guys were out enjoying it.  Hope it went great.

Wednesday January 25, 2012

***I had sent Scott a text on this morning reminding him of my suggestion when he left for school this semester to have Wednesday be his temple day since he did not have classes on that day...

Mom's TEXT:  Don't forget Wednesday temple!   You won't regret it!

***Didn't hear from him so that night I sent a text asking him how his day was...

Scott's TEXT:  It was awesome!  Went snowboarding with Kevin.  We plan to go every Wednesday.

Mom's TEXT:  Did you go to Park City? What about Wednesday Temple?

Scott's TEXT:  Yeah at Park City.  In the olden times mountains were temples, so that is my temple at college.  Kevin goes to Mesa tomorrow to open his call.  And my roommate got his call to Texas.

***later I found out another roommate opened his call to Mexico.  Kevin's call was to Russia. 

I guess that is all for today.  As you can see, Scott does most of the texting in the family to me!  I do talk to him about twice a week and love hearing his voice!  Jason calls more than he texts (to me) and I am so grateful!  Amy lives at home (well so does Jason) and we talk face to face most of the time!  That is the best way.  Taralynn and I talk too--and recently Amy has started working at home with Taralynn on the computer and so I hear them talk on skype during the day!  It's the best!  

Jay still doesn't have a cell phone!  He doesn't know what he's missing...or does he?

love,
Lori  

I'm back!

So it has been a while since I've posted.  I started writing again in a personal journal. It just feels good.   But I miss my family updates...updating any who care about what is going on around here.  I miss it mostly because I love staying connected to family and friends.  This somehow makes me feel connected.  I was so much more consistent when my grandparents were living. They were my writing friends!  I loved getting letters from them and sharing my life with them.  

I will try and be more consistent again (because after all, I'm going to be a grandma soon)!

One year ago today, my Grandma Webb passed away.  I have thought about her often.  I have written letters in my head to her, telling her what I've been up to!  I'm sure somehow she still stays connected with me!  I miss her letters.  They were full of encouragement and love.  I miss her whenever I eat a tangerine or drink fresh orange juice!  I miss her when I go to the temple.  I miss her when I curl up beneath a blanket to stay warm.  I miss her when I look at a picture of my Aunt Lorian that sits on my dresser.  I miss her when I watch Jason play ball.  I miss you, Grandma!  

But, not enough that I would want her back here. I know how happy and busy she must be.  I know that she is enjoying the love of family on the other side of the veil.  I know it was time to share her with many there who were missing her...

love,

Lori

Christmas letter of 2011...finally posted

Dear family and friends,

We love this time of year—especially to hear from you and how your family is doing.  Like yours, our family is growing older, but we still have some “firsts” to record from 2011…

1^st year at Mt. View—August 2011.  Jason is a sophomore at Mt. View High School and recently made the JV basketball team!  It is a great accomplishment and we all look forward to the season.  SportsCenter is still his favorite channel on TV but he can most often be found socializing with friends.  He will most likely have gotten his Driver’s permit by the time you get this letter.

1^st day of college—June 20, 2011.  Scott left home just weeks after graduating from Mt. View to attend BYU summer school.  He loved it so much that he stayed in Provo, rather than moving on to Idaho as was originally planned.  He is having lots of fun, studying hard and looking forward to balancing his time next semester between school and the ski slopes!

1^st college graduate—April 22, 2011.  Amy graduated from BYU in Family Studies with an emphasis in Human Development.  She works as a Teachers Aid at a private preschool and loves it!  She is currently living at home and applying for graduate school to become a school counselor.

1^st heartbeat—July 19, 2011.  Taralynn and Kory heard their baby’s heartbeat for the first time!  In September they learned that “it’s a boy!”  In February 2012, we will all get to meet him!  Taralynn and Kory are doing well in Idaho, working and loving life together.

1^st Easter Pageant experience—April 2011.  Jay was chosen to be the apostle Thomas in the Arizona Temple Easter Pageant.  He invited the boys and me to join him in this experience.  This was a first for Jay, Scott and Jason. It is truly amazing to portray followers of Christ from His lifetime during the Easter season, remembering Him and sharing our testimonies of His life and resurrection with many.

We hope you will all remember the first Christmas night as you celebrate Christmas with family and friends this year.  He truly is our Savior, our Redeemer, our Friend.

With love,

Jay and Lori and family