No Cruise

We had a great time despite being extremely disappointed and distraught at being refused boarding onto the cruise ship. Curse Casablanca Express (for many reasons, but in particular) for not asking us if my wife was pregnant. Apparently it's a mandatory question when you book the cruise, but we didn't book it, they did and they didn't ask. So Alene was 24 weeks and a few days Monday Dec 1 when we got all the way from Provo to SLC to LGB to Queen Mary Port and within a 100 feet of the ship before someone told us that pregnancy was not allowed on board. Totally distraught, we were even more saddened when we saw Jason Gray boarding the ship and heard that, yup, 8 of the 11 or so Studio C crew were all going to be on that very same cruise. We're REALLY big Studio C fans, so that was like salt in the already bleeding wound.

Well, flying back, saving the PTO and trying to plan something else for another time was incredibly expensive, so we found a nice little worldmark resort an hour away at Oceanside CA. Tuesday was rough, but we tried very hard to choose to be happy. A cruise is just so nice in that everything is taken care of for you and there's such good food all the time everywhere. We both were looking forward to it SO much. But alas, we went shopping and found a few things to do. The weather wasn't great - it wouldn't have been great on the ship or at ports either though. We relaxed on the beach and in the resort - would have done a bunch of that on the ship too. We got more personal time together than we would have on the ship. We certainly didn't eat as well though - I was already feeling the pain of extra expenses for making the backup vacation happen (although I was doing pretty well at being liberal in order to make it fun/bearable). And, truly, we did have a good time.

Here's some pics:

Repairs

Alene wants me to stay awake as she takes care of things before our Sunday night comics routine. So to keep me awake, I'm thinking of all the things I've built or repaired over the past year.

Leaky water inlet on the fridge
The back patio was both built and repaired with a lot of help from me
The vacuum
Kitty doors in mud room door and outside next to garage
Window in bathroom
Garden boxes
Sand box
Probably more but Alene is ready to start comics

Reflections about the boys after a week with Grandma and Grandpa!

Dear Alene,

  Today I put into words some reflections on last week's wonderful experience.  I thought you might enjoy:

Monday-Friday, December 1-5, 2014- Camden and Xan Come to Visit

Two very excited little boys ran into our home Monday morning.  They had waited  days for this event to happen-5 days to spend with Grandpa and Grandma.  Alene had carefully prepared an agenda of all their activities, time schedules and the addresses where these events were to occur.  Camden would need to be taken daily to Freedom Academy in Provo for kindergarten, both boys had a tumbling class, Camden had a dance class and there was an optional library class.  I, as well, had an arsenal of activities for the boys.  The plan was to be flexible and do what fit best into the schedule.  Camden, even though in kindergarten, had daily homework of math, spelling and reading.  I was also given the opportunity to read stories to his class on Tuesday afternoon.  Lunch needed to be early, 11:00, in order to get him to a 12:00kindergarten.  Specific clothes needed to be worn to school, dance and tumbling.  The boys were also excited about our ward Christmas party where Santa was scheduled to appear and then there was the ride in Grandpa’s truck up to Thanksgiving Point where we would all see the magnificent display of lights, enjoy hot chocolate and see real live reindeer.  Indeed, there was a lot packed into these five days.  All went well the first day.  The boys were very cooperative and obedient.  Their excitement filled our home and hearts.  On the second day as we were looking at the calendar, I mentioned that Alene’s birthday would occur while they were gone. Sensitive Camden really struggled with this.  Oh, how he wanted to be with his mother on her special day!  We discussed the situation, his mother knew she would be away, this was her choice; we could make her a card, present, banner; her birthday could even be celebrated a day late when she and Kelv would return to Utah.  These discussions helped, but didn’t really heal his aching heart.  During the rest of the week, Camden mentioned his mother’s birthday to his school teacher, tumbling, instructor and to any adult who came into his circle.  I was impressed by his deep love for her.  His tender heart yearned to share her celebration.  On her birthday we quickly ate breakfast and made her a wonderful banner.  Both boys smiled joyfully as I took the picture to text message across the miles, Camden seemed to feel at peace.  I was impressed with his maturity.  This truly was a difficult situation for him and he handled it in such a grown up manner.  The days passed quickly with routine, fun and many activities.  The daily dose of homework, especially reading, was a challenge for Camden, but once again, he swallowed hard and read each book the required three times.  On Thursday, little Xan had a sudden longing for his mother.  I hugged him and told him I understood how he missed her.  He cried a few tears, and very much like his brother, carried on valiantly even though his heart was feeling sorrow.  My heart felt his pain and Camden’s homework and birthday mother challenges.  Both boys were learning that life is hard but that we can do hard things.  I was so proud of them!  Overall, the week was wonderful.  Win came home early on Friday and enjoyed backyard play with Xan.  I was very surprised to look out the window and see my 67 year old husband swinging with his grandson.  (I had never seen him on a swing!!)  I felt the tender mercies of the Lord during this whole event.  Oh how He loves these little boys and I know he loves the grandparents who cared for them.  We enjoyed this experience very much and feel blessed to also experience a closeness to our Heavenly Father and big brother as we served.

Love,
Mom

Will you marry me!?

So cute little Xan story tonight. (Xan 4 years old)

Tonight after dinner, he told me how wonderful he thought it would be, if he and I got married. So sweet. I assured him that although I was already married to Daddy, that I would for sure, 100%, be at his wedding when he got married someday. He made me promise that I would stay with him the whole time, and that seemed to reassure him enough for now. :-D

Also at dinner tonight, Camden asked me if it hurt to have the baby in my tummy. I told him that sometimes it does. Kelv went on to explain the difference of uncomfortable vs pain to Camden. He seemed to understand fairly well, as Kelv told him I'm just uncomfortable a lot too. After that, Camden told me how he felt bad for me, that I have to be uncomfortable while the baby grows. He has such a sensitive understanding of the feelings of others! He'll make a good husband someday!

I love being a mom of boys and can't wait for our 3rd little boy to arrive in March. There is a special bond for a mom and her boys and I'm so happy to have this chance to raise righteous young men. Both Camden and Xan are extremely sensitive and loving boys and I'm so lucky to have them.