Tiffani volunteered to take my kids back to Vegas with her so I could focus on Mom. It is very rare for me to be separated from my kids and this is the longest we've ever been apart. Jalen especially probably doesn't remember every being away from me. But I think it was good for them and I don't think they've missed me at all. They say Tiff is the "fun mom." She has less rules than me :).
My dad and I have both worked hard on our health. Together we've lost 160+ pounds on Optavia.
I brought this shirt, planning to wear it to the reunion because my great-grandmother said it all the time. In the South, it has a much different meaning and doesn't carry the same kind of love (ha, ha).
On Monday, Mom and I were able to spend 30 minutes in the garden. It was her first time outside since she came home from the hospital the Monday before. It wore her out, but it was good for her to get outside.
Tuesday was my parents' 55th wedding anniversary.
They have been such an example to me of dedication and love even through the hardest of times. I'm grateful to have parents that are so devoted to one another and who have always been faithful to each other. I'm sure it was very romantic for them to celebrate with me. We got takeout from Texas Roadhouse.
On Wednesday, we were greeted at the door by Miss Rowan wearing her ski helmet and goggles. She is a trip! She came up to me and said, "Try and poke me in the eye!"
Outside, there was a beautiful rainbow. I missed it, but mom took a picture.
Scott replaced mom and dad's basement light. It had quit working and needed to be updated anyway. He needs to replaced two more, but he was working on one of them and the bulb exploded. He'll have to finish later.
Thursday I made a visit to the BYU Bookstore. It's changed a lot since I was there last. It is really cool and exactly what a college bookstore should be like.
Me with my buddy Cosmo.
Inside the store there is a stadium section...
..to watch TV, including games.
Clark came over with Di and Jonny. They picked some produce.
My parents have an amazing garden.
Friday, Dad, Clark, Jonny, and Scott's family headed to the reunion. Mom and I headed back to the BYU bookstore to pick up some orders.
They have this awesome kid area with a miniature Y mountain and slide.
There's a cool little train that runs around the top.
It was the longest mom had been out and about since her surgery. Probably about an hour.
Cool pool table.
Mom, me and Cosmo.
BYU is a beautiful campus.
Me with our purchases.
The Y mountain from my parent's house.
Meanwhile, at the ranch they had Navajo tacos.
Dad with his brother Lyman.
Clark, Tyler (who I haven't seen in decades), and Scott.
The girls and Jonny on a tractor (Lauryn, Ava, Clara, Jonny, and Baylie).
The boys on a tractor (Nixon, Jalen and two I don't know).
Jalen spent all his trading post money on necklaces and wrist bands. Crazy kid!
At the hotel.
At the hotel pool (Jonny, Nixon, Clara, Baylie, Ava, Lauryn, Rowan, and Jalen).
Mom and I hung out and watched the Olympics.
We made a Costco run.
Mom was a wizard with the cart.
Mom's good for about an hour and then she's wiped out.
We got some amazing Green River melons.
Erik and Shanelle invited us over for a 24th of July cookout. It was good to have some family time. We were surprised to find them streaming a baptism from Japan with Parker! What an amazing opportunity.
Will's with popsicle.
Simon's sparkler.
Ashley and Bea.
Asher read to Will and Simon.
I posted this today to Facebook and want to repost it here:
I do not often get alone time with my parents. There were the first 16 months of my life, which were awesome. Then there was the time they came to pick me up from Argentina. Those are special memories. They visited me at least once when I was single in Houston.
But this past week having alone time with my parents has been really special. The past two days with me and my mom just hanging out have been really healing.
One of my favorite memories will always be hearing my parents praying for each of their children and grandchildren individually.
I have been blessed with incredible parents.
I saved this picture for last because I love it so much. Titan and Rowan.
I love my family so much. I wish we were able to spend more time with them, but I treasure the time we do have.
I head back to South Carolina on Tuesday for the Optavia Convention. I'll head back to get the kids next Sunday. It's going to be hard to leave, but I'm so glad that I'm leaving mom in much better health and on the mend.
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