Unexpected Trip Home (2-13 AUG 2019)

Back in Utah

I got a really weird lump on my thumb that was getting bigger and starting to affect my joint.   I had it checked in Curacao and found out that I really needed a hand specialist to remove it (so that I didn't risk using the use of my thumb).  So, I scheduled a surgery back home with a specialist, along with a few other appointments while I was there - I figured I should see the dermatologist (since I've had some cancerous spots in the past) as well as have some dental work done.  (I'd been having some problems and actually ended up having 2 root canals while I was home...no fun!)  Even though I had a lot of things scheduled, I most enjoyed time with family and friends....especially the grand-kids!!  Oh how I've missed those hugs.  Even though it was amazing, I missed Kyle like crazy and I knew that that is not where I belong right now.  I love this mission and I'm so grateful for the opportunity I have to serve.   

Elder Jacob Garner - He left some of his flash drives in Guyana
so I brought them home with me.  I was really glad that I didn't have
to send them in the mail...I'm always worried that things may get
lost and he had done a video journal on them.  He met me at the airport
to get them.  It was sooooo good to see him and meet his parents! 

Katrina picked me up at the Airport and was laughing at me while I kept taking pictures of the mountains on the way home.   She said, "Mom, they're not even pretty right now."  I said, "oh, yes, they are!"  I really miss the mountains....and our beautiful little Heber Valley!

My Valley!

My daughter-in-law, Marissa, has started making
these adorable baby booties. 

One of the things I loved doing when my kids were little was making "dress-up" clothes for them.  It has been difficult for me to be away and not be able to make little dresses for Sage.  So when I found these on sale through Amazon....I couldn't resist!  She loves princesses! 

I actually did make one for her while she was home.  When you ask her what her favorite part of

Sleeping Beauty is she gets really shy and says, "the Prince"...it's so cute.  So I made a play dress out of a t-shirt for her.  I just took a t-shirt, took the sleeves off and added a ruffle for the sleeves, added a skirt and then ironed on a picture of Sleeping Beauty and her Prince on the front.  Sage Loves it!!

I had some really special visits while I was home.  Time did not permit me to see everyone that I would have liked to see but I'm so grateful for those that did take the time to come and see me.  We feel of your love and support.

The Price Family
Travis, Crysta, Kodi, Me, Kaleigh, Raygen
  They surprised Kodi by bringing her up this night.
 I've watched her since she was a baby so we have a really special bond!  They blind folded
her when they brought her up.  It was so fun when she saw me!  I love this family!!!!

The Wade Family
Lisa, Me, Cassi (holding my grandson, Rett), Jeff, Trustin

Visiting Marlene & Tony Yacek..... (Marlene always has gifts)

Marlene & Me....Oh I love her!!

Katrina reading to Rett

Brandon & Tony

Sage & Marlene

Sunday Dinner
(This has to be one of the times I miss the most!)

A visit from some of my missionaries!!!

Elder Naef (Now Evan)

Evan Naef, Jaren Masina, Sister Baird, Thomas Heaps

This was such a wonderful reunion!!  I sure love these
Wonderful missionaries!!!  They truly are family to me!

They said that I "prayed" to have something grow on my thumb
so that I could come back and see them!!  lol 😂

Katrina, Sage & Rett
They took time to come and see me everyday....
I cherish the time I got to spend with all my kids and grandkids!!

I watched Katrina's kids on Wednesday and Crysta and her girls came
to help so that I wouldn't have to do any lifting with my hand...
Also just so they could spend some time with me.
Kodi and Sage played so well together!!
 Sage was in heaven having a"buddy" all day!

Rett Loves the swing!!

Owen & Kayla

My Cousin Shanae & Her boys!
We had so much fun hanging out with them...
so glad they made the drive up!!

In heaven holding a newborn
This is my Nephew Kurtis Cummings & his wife Seiara's baby Franky
He is absolutely adorable, I'm so glad they
came to see me.  

Cousin's playing with the shape puzzle
This is Owen's favorite puzzle.
(He was pretty patient with Rett but still wasn't sure he wanted to share)

I ran into this cute family at Smith's
The Stones
Bishop Lon Stone, Me, Lily, Peter, & Avery

Owen "playing" video games with his dad....😂

Sage wanted me to go and play Barbies with her

It was nap time and she had to sing each one of 

them to sleep....Melt my heart!!😊

Rett loves "spinning"  he will just turn around

while he's sitting.  

Rett Loves his Tigger

We all got together and went to eat at the Zermatt for dinner!!  So fun.
We missed Jayson & Alexa - they had a family thing in Oregon. 

Kenna Childs

Jenson Finney & Mavrik Larson

Jenny & Todd Finney

Sofia Finney

My 4 children!!
We played a lot of games together!
We love being together

Kymberlee Baird
This beautiful niece of mine just
got a mission call to Spokane, Washington

Family Dinner!!

My Neice Heather & her husband Justin

Kayla & Crysta

Raygen & Brandon

MaKady & Kaleigh (Brandon behind)

I got such a big hug from Gage!
Can't believe how much he's grown in a year!

RuthAnn Huntington
I ran over to her school so we could
have some time together!!  One of my longest, dearest
friends!!

Elder Greg Marks & his girlfriend Courtney

My Brother Jason & His family
Me, Sherry, Nephi, & Jason
(Hyrum was at work)

Kelly & Pam Cummings (My beautiful Sister!)

I have to say that I really enjoyed my time at home with family and friends but I was excited to get back to the mission.  I know this is where I am supposed to be right now.  I love this mission and I love serving the Lord!!

Kyle welcomed me home with 11 roses
(Inside story...he told me a long time ago he would never give me
a dozen.  He has given me 10, 11, 13, 2 dozen but never
a dozen.  😂😉- those who know our story know why)