Sunday January 30, 2011

Dear Scott,

Rubie has asked for you many times this week.  Whenever she feels that I have been mean to her, or she gets in trouble.  She tells me that she doesn't like me anymore and she wants her Daddy.  She woke up a little early this morning and I think wanted to cuddle.  I was busy in the kitchen and so again she asked for Daddy.  I don't know if I should tell you those things.  Just want you to know that Rubie has not forgotten about her Daddy in the army.

We have had a busy week.  On Monday we spent all day at the Tulett's then came home to have a Family Home Evening with Lloyd and Carolyn.  Tuesday we got a really good snow storm.  Had some friends over, went to the Little Gym, and had dinner with Lloyd and Carolyn.  Wednesday Eric and Rubie went to the Pendleton's while I went for a run and tried to do some things around the house.  Eric had his Little Gym class.  Thursday the Tulett's came here, I fixed dinner for Lloyd (Carolyn had a work party).  Friday was our turn to host pre-school.  Many of the moms stayed to visit for a little while when they came to pick up their kids.  In the afternoon the kids played at the Gold's Gym play room while I swam and then we met Dan, Brandee and their boys, and Bob at the Lehi pool for some fun.  Saturday I spent two hours on my bike trainer, then ran two miles. Eric and Rubie both had a Little Gym make-up class, then we went to Dan and Brandee's.  Dan, Brandee, and I were going to the temple, but Brandee was sick and so I went by myself.  Today my mom and dad came to church with us, stayed for dinner, and Lloyd and Carolyn joined us.  Mom gave us a great FHE message.  And we enjoyed apple pie and a nice visit.  Dad's gift to me was cleaning the kitchen.  It hasn't been this clean in a long time.  Of course he did all the dishes by hand so even the dishwasher is empty.  I actually love that kind of gift.  And how does he do it so fast.  How come it seems to take me so much longer to clean the kitchen than it takes him.  It must be because I get interrupted to get some juice, change a diaper, find a toy or various other things.

The week went by very quickly and we seemed so busy.  I really enjoyed my workouts this week, preschool, my time in the temple, time with the kids, and time with friends and family.

People in the ward and your family have all asked about you.  I'm sure that you are having a great time.  I hope that you are learning lots, making new friends and enjoying all the punishments or I mean push-ups.

We love you!

Love, Jen, Eric, and Rubie

Sunday January 23, 2011

Dear Scott,

Rubie and I were so excited to hear your voice.  We both squealed and wanted to talk to you first.  So I put you on speaker.  She has been asking to call you.  She finally knows you are at army and not at work.  Well, one week down.  And this week went fast.  I had a great weekend.  Friday Both Eric and Rubie got to go to the Kuhni's for preschool.  Kristine offered to have Rubie play so I could get ready for St. George.  That was great!  Then Bob came over and fixed the lock in the garage which took him probably 10 minutes.  Then he spent a few hours on my iPad downloading music and helping me learn how to get music and books.  He was great.  In the afternoon I took the kids to Brandee.  She is so awesome!  The kids had a great time with Dan and Brandee's family this weekend.  I drove down to St. George on my own listening to 127 Hours Between a Rock and a Hard Place.  The Aaron Ralston story read by him.  I'm half-way through and want so bad to be listening to the rest of it.  Just have not had the opportunity yet.  I stayed in a condo with Steve Gray (guy on John's Red Rock team that dressed up in the wacky costumes), another guy Tony, Sarah, Anne, and Missy and her husband Robert.  We had a great time.  The weather was beautiful.  It makes it so hard to come back up North when it was such nice running and biking weather.  The half marathon went so much better for me than I thought it would.  I was able to run in the 8 and 7 minute mile range.  I finished at 1:44.  But compared to other women, wow there are fast ladies out there.  Sarah set a PR with 1:29 finish.  Although she literally killed herself.  I don't know how she can push herself so hard.  She wasn't feeling that great when the morning started.  Her asthma was acting up with a cough and sore throat.  But of course that does not stop her.  After the race I couldn't find her and then a few people asked me if I had seen her.  I had a feeling I should really find her.  I thought she either on the grass stretching or she is back at the car.  I found her in the car hunched over--she was most likely asleep, she was shaking, she had all the layers of clothes on she could find and the heat was blasting.  She looked so sick.  She scared me so bad.  I ran to the paramedics but they didn't pay much attention to me, they already had a few people they were looking after so I just started searching for Heath.  I found him and he ran back to my vehicle with me.  He wanted her to get some sodium, I had a few tablets and she had her recovery drink.  As we got some electrolytes into her she started to get a little better.  But she was sick.  She couldn't even make it on the bike ride.  She tried, but after a few minutes realized that wouldn't be a good idea.  I wish I had more of her ability to push myself like that.  Although I think that I did last May for that 1/2 marathon.  Remember how I was kind of sick after that.  I don't want to make myself sick, but I do want to be able to push through pain and discomfort.  I just wasn't ready to do that yesterday.  But I was so happy with my run and felt really great.  We took and break, got some lunch and then meet up around 1:00 to bike a loop of the St. George Ironman bike course.  We biked from the highway at the top of Snow Canyon around to Gunlock, up to Veyo and back toward St. George.  I have done that ride a few times and love it.  I had a great ride!  It was a great workout day.  I was exhausted and famished (I ate pizza) and totally happy.  Only my calves are sore today and I'm sure that also has a lot to do with driving home right after all that activity. 

We are looking forward to a great week.  We learned at church today that some of our friends are moving out of the ward.  Kyle and Angie Farley bought a home in the Orchard 1st ward.  Ben and Michelle Arcinega are moving up to the Salt Lake Valley, and Mike and Kris Larsen are moving to Wyoming.

I have been thinking of you everyday.  You are in every single prayer of mine and the kids.  We hope you have had a great first week.

We love you so much!!

Jen, Eric, and Rubie

Adventure!! Snowshoeing on New Year's Eve

One thing that Sarah ALWAYS does well, is plan adventures.  I was not disappointed this time.  She gathered a group of girls, Karl rounded up some of his ultra runner guy friends and we all planned to do some snowshoeing that would wear us out and leave us happy and fulfilled.

Early (6:30am) New Year's Eve morning I meet Karl and Sarah at their place, we loaded up in their Subaru, picked up Heather and Anne along the way and headed to Hobble Creek Canyon where Brian and Ben were waiting for us at Johnson's Ranch.

We hiked for about 1.5 miles on the snow-covered road.  Then we took a right turn up Day's Canyon.  The temperature was already low (~15F), but leaving the road and having to pave our own trail warmed our bodies up, at least while we kept moving. 

As soon as we turned off, we came to a stream crossing.  Brian packed down the snow on the log, we took some pictures.  

Stream crossing

As Sarah pointed out our fingers and facial muscles were still working relatively well at this point.   

Taking pics while fingers and facial muscles still working.  Sarah, you look so good.  I was wondering if being back on a student budget has cut your food budget.  You are so lean!

After crossing the log, that is when the real work/fun began.  The snow was amazing, and amazingly deep.  Even with snowshoes the leader would still sink into the powder up to their knees, thighs, or sometimes higher.  

Building a trail.

It didn't take long before we started a pace line.  It was exhausting work being the leader.  The person in back had a walk in the park, but in the back you got cold after awhile for not working as hard.

Even though we didn't see the sun, the day was still beautiful.  How nice it is to breathe such clean air, hear no traffic, have no one whining or begging for things.  Adventures are good for the soul.

Taking a break--but not for long.  The cold creeps in fast.

Sarah cutting trail.

 Our trail looked really cool behind us.  The scene was so peaceful.  

After about 4 hours we all started to get very cold.  There comes a point where the body just isn't warming itself anymore.  My Camelback water hose was frozen, I had to bum water off of everyone.  And Sarah was smart enough to bring hot tea, but even that got very cold.

It was so cold that Anne's hair froze.  Brr!

Even though we were that frozen we were still having a great time.

After we came out of Daniel's Canyon and got back to the road, we had 3 miles back down to the cars.  We started to run, but I didn't get very far that way.  I felt exhausted.  At the car Anne had an idea for a cute picture.  We were really happy to get back in the car, warm up, and EAT!

I love that we got to have this adventure.  Thanks Karl and Sarah for putting it together.  I'm so glad I got to hang out with you and all these cool people.  This is probably the most epic snowshoe adventure I'll get in this season.  It was the perfect way to say Goodbye 2010, Hello 2011!

All I wanted to do when I got home was take a hot bath, eat a huge meal and sleep.  But it was New Year's Eve and we had plans.  Beth was awesome enough to stay with the kids all day so that I could have this adventure and Scott, Andy, and Dan could hang out and buy stuff to make sushi with later. (Beth, I mean that, SUPER DUPER AWESOME!)

I did get my hot shower and some food, but no rest.  I had to gear up for a party at Dan and Brandee's.  We got two great babysitter's, Megan and Abby, to come over and stay with Eric and Rubie, and Scott and I went to Dan and Brandee's for sushi, games, and great laughs.  We had a great time with Dan, Brandee, Andy, Beth, Bob, Adrian, and another couple Emily and oops, can't remember his name.  But he had really hairy arms that helped us earn some points in one round of the game.

Happy New Year!

Sledding with the Jarvis'

As we have already mentioned, in December our friends the Jarvis' came to visit.  Because we had so much fun doing it last year, we went again to Big Springs Park to go sledding.  We had a blast!!  Well, most of us did.

Sarah showing her skills, anticipating the hurt.

Karl always gives us a good shot, air and snow flying.

Scott and Eric hitting the jump....

Snow in the face....

Lots of air.

Noah shows us all how it is done.

Making snow angels.

Let's try a piggy-back ride.

Mom and Eric.

The Max man.

Sometimes they get a ride up the hill too.

A good buddy ride.

Rubie and Max had fallen asleep in the car on the way to the park.  We let them sleep for a bit then I decided to wake Rubie up.  That may not have been a good idea, she still wanted to sleep and let me know it.  It was a struggle getting her clothes on and out of the vehicle.  But I was determined that once she went down the hill, her attitude would change.

She was still kicking, crying, and fighting me the whole way down.

She was determined not to be happy.  I thought for sure she would slip and fall and have something really to cry about.

Eric, on the other hand, was loving every minute of this.  He has gotten much braver and loves sledding!

Having doll made her better for a few minutes.

But not for long..."I'm done!!!"

 

From Scott January 19

Dear Jen,

So my roommate has an interesting story. He is Yaareb Altaweel an Iraqi. That caught me off guard but made for some great conversation. After he watched his country get bombed (his mechanic shop was completely leveled) the only work was whatever the American's provided. The most common was janitorial/labor type jobs making $2/day (good money according to Yaareb). It wasn't long until they began using his English skills for translating which led him to such experiences as meeting General Patraeus (actually has one of Patraeus's coins) and other high profile individuals. There's a lot more, hopefully I'll remember enough for my journal or when I get home.
It's meeting people like Yaareb that add to the richness of this experience. People have such cool stories, I truly love meeting people and getting to know them. One of my "regrets" of sorts in preparing for this time is not using "Preach My Gospel". I'm lying in bed realizing (partly thinking back to those Sisters in the visitor's center) that my missionary muscle's are out of shape. I think back to how easy and skilled I was after two years of it and now a bit timid/ashamed I don't feel as bold about missionary opportunities. That will have to change because very soon a whole lot of people are going to have a whole lot of questions. I'll be okay, just sharing my thoughts.
I love you. Thank you for a great evening. I truly am honored to be your husband and I am immensely grateful that you are my children's mother.

Love,

Scott

January 18

Last night was our last night with Scott, at least for the kids, for the next 18 weeks.  After checking in at the Radisson, we went to the Gateway and got some dinner.  Then we took the kids to Build-A-Bear.  Scott wanted to get a bear in an army outfit so the kids would have the bear to think of him.  That kind of back-fired because the kids were not that interested in the army outfits.  Eric wanted a Woody outfit for his bear and Rubie choose a Belle princess outfit.  They got the army outfits too, but didn't want those on their bears last night.  Oh well, it was fun and we will get them in the army outfits later.  Then we went and played at the Apple store for a bit.  We took Scott back to the hotel.  As he gave the kids a kiss to say goodbye, his tears really started flowing.  Rubie didn't quite understand what was happening and just kept saying "Daddy crying."  Eric then realized there was something to be sad about.  He finally understood that the time had come that we have been talking about that Daddy was going to the army and we wouldn't get to see him for a while.  Eric started crying then.  All the way home he whimpered, "Let's go back and get Daddy.  Mommy, please turn around and get Daddy."  Rubie was tired and quickly fell asleep. But once we got home and turned into the drive way he became more forceful about it.  Then I was finally able to take him and hold him and talk to him about Scott being gone in the army and stuff about how proud we are.  We said a prayer and he felt better.  We'll see how it goes today.  I on the other hand didn't cry and am so far fine.  I've been gearing up for this.

Make us proud, Scott.  Work hard and do your best.  We will do our best here.  You be the best that you can be and this will be a great, even life changing experience.  We love you!

January 20, 2011

Dear Scott,

On Tuesday I was able to spend time with you for just a few hours.  I really enjoyed seeing you and speaking with you about our feelings for each other and about being separated for the next few months.  Thank you for the blessing you gave me.  I was grateful we could go to Temple Square, that the Sisters allowed us to use a small room for a moment for you to give me a blessing.  I was grateful that the Sisters talked to us about missionary work.  I need that reminder always put in my mind.  I know that you will have many opportunities and how fortunate to start off your experience with one.  Thanks for sharing with me about your 2nd night stay with your roommate.  Yes you do need to brush up on your skills.  But one skill you must always remember is that "open your mouth, and will fill it."  The greatest skill you need is simply to allow the Spirit to work and speak through you.  Open your mind and heart to the Spirit, then open your mouth and the words will come out.

I was grateful that we could sit in that restaurant overlooking the Salt Lake Temple.  It reminded me of our marriage sealing for all eternity.  I was not sad or teary saying good-bye to you.  Maybe because you were and so it made me want to be stronger, but also because the Spirit was reminding me things were going to be okay.  I have had a number of people ask me either in person, text, facebook, on the phone, or whatever, how I am doing.  And I'm doing fine.  I am positive and happy and things are great at home--they are the same.  I do think of you all the time.  I wonder what it is like for you.  What the base looks like, what the people are like, where you are sleeping and eating and if you are having a great time.  I hope you are.  Like I told you, I want you to make the most of this basic training experience, for you, and for me and the kids.  Each time it is hard and difficult, think of Eric and Rubie and how you will teach them that when you wanted to give up, or it was too hard, or whatever, that you pushed through.  That you made it, and not only survived but became a stronger person for it.

Eric and Rubie talk about you.  Rubie has a hard time remembering you are at the army and won't be coming home for a while.  But we pray for you multiple times each day.  We remember to say our morning and evening prayers.  I hope that you are, because I think of you kneeling by your bed and praying to Heavenly Father whenever we do.

Yesterday we took advantage of Gold's Playroom first thing in the morning.  Eric and Rubie played while I had a crappy run.  I can't seem to have a good run--even on the treadmill to save my life.  I'm really frustrated about my running and it makes me very anxious about the half marathon this weekend.  After the gym the Pendleton kids came over for a few hours.  I'm really grateful for their friendship.  They are great kids to.  Eric had Little Gym and loved it.  They are learning hockey and hand stands.  They sent us home with home work to practice hand stands and slap shots.  Eric and I took a fast trip to Sunflower Market and then home to get dinner ready for us and Lloyd and Carolyn.  After dinner Eric stayed with Lloyd and us girls went to Winco for Carolyn to do her grocery shopping.  That was a long day and I was tired at the end of it.  After prayer, scripture, brushing teeth and a story, we all feel asleep on our bed.  I woke up and put Rubie in her bed.  Within the last two night she has not gotten out of her bed in the middle of the night.  Both kids have slept in until 7:00, and at 7:35 Eric just barely got up.  That is great for me, these early morning hours can be very productive.

Well, we have a busy day.  We love you!

December 2010

December is such a busy month.  Our activities surround the holidays, winter fun, and normal every day activities.  Some of the things we did to celebrate the Christmas holiday started right after Thanksgiving.  We visited the Shops at River Woods.  The next weekend we took the kids to downtown Provo for a parade with Santa and lighting of the town center Christmas Lights. We rode trax to Temple Square.  We decorated the house and painted ornaments.  We spent Christmas Eve and day with the Wilsons.  And the Sunday after Christmas went to the Jeppson's.


The River Woods Shops were beautiful.  The area has recently been remodeled to be more pedestrian friendly.  The roads have been closed to traffic on the inside and it has become a beautiful outdoor mall.

There were fires like this everywhere to get warm around.  There was Christmas music playing also.

The kids were fascinated by all the different kinds of lights and ornaments.

We got a free ride in the super golf cart.  There was no one riding and the driver offered to drive us around.

The horse and carriage rides were also free.  The horses were Bob and Dick and gave us a nice ride.  There was a room in where we could get free hot chocolate, write Santa a letter, and have our gifts wrapped.  Santa was not there that night, but there was a cute little house set up for him to visit with the kids.

Thanks for bringing us Daddy!

 The Provo parade experience didn't turn out to be that great.  It was so freezing!!  Brr!  When we first go to the downtown area the Santa race was still going on.  There were hundreds of runners in Red outfits and Santa hats.  We got into the NU Skin Building vestibule and watched the race wrap up from there.  Then we sat out on the side walk ready for the parade.  Rubie wouldn't keep her gloves on and after 5 minutes Eric started asking to go home.  It was one of those "you are going to have fun, I'm doing this for you" experiences. 

On the sidewalk ready to see the parade.

The parade started on time, we were excited to see it.

Anticipation of the police cars and fire trucks.

They were cool to see, however, each entry was spaced about 10 minutes apart.  It was not enough to keep the kids interest when the temperatures were freezing.  Finally at half way, we decided the kids had suffered enough.  Eric wouldn't quite his whining about wanting to go home.  The parade was not well-put together.  It seems that they were trying to stretch it out to last an hour to have the lighting and arrival of Santa at a certain time.  But it just didn't work very well.  So we left, not waiting for Santa or the lighting of the the downtown square.

The first Sunday in December for the Wilson Family FHE we decided again to go to Temple Square.  Last year because of the 1st Presidency Christmas Devotional and all the other activities going on the traffic was horrendous.  We decided to ride Trax to avoid all that.  I'm not exactly sure what happened, but no one else showed up to ride the train.  They all just drove themselves downtown.  We enjoyed the train ride though.

The lights were beautiful as always.  There were a lot of people and we didn't see everything.  Uncle Brett's choir was performing in the Assembly Hall.  We went and saw the first few numbers they performed.  They were excellent and Eric and Rubie actually really got into the music.  But 3-4 numbers was enough for them, and then also we had to catch Trax back to Sandy.

 Of course we need new Christmas clothes for Sunday.  The Sunday before Christmas the choir puts on a Christmas program.  I was a narrator and so we dressed up. 

Rubie and Eric love new clothes.  They look beautiful and handsome in their shiny new duds.

It took about 20 shots to get a mostly normal pose.  They kept pulling, literally, faces.

Rubie and Eric painted ornaments to give to our neighbors and to their friends.

 

 

 

On Christmas Eve we went to Grandma and Grandpa Wilson's for dinner and a Christmas program. 

Everyone contributed to a lovely meal.  The house was festive and we all enjoyed our selves.

Eric, Rubie, and Tre sat at the kids table.

Yummy!

Nice family photo.

After dinner Brandee organized the younger kids to present the Nativity.  She read the story from the Bible and Eli, Hayden, Tre, Eric, and Rubie acted out the parts.

Tre as the Angel.

Eric was so proud to be Joseph.  He had been learning a primary song in church about Joseph closing his shop and leading Mary on the donkey.  Every time he wanted to be picked to play Joseph but never was.  Now he had his opportunity.  Before the narration of the Nativity story started he acted out all the parts of the song.

Rubie got to play Mary, her doll was baby Jesus.

Joseph and Mary with the angel announcing the baby's birth.

This is my favorite Christmas memory, Eric and Rubie as Joseph and Mary.  I was so proud of them.  They are great at playing pretend.  They tried to play their parts seriously and with reverence.

Joseph is helping Mary with her shawl.

Eli and Hayden were the wise men.  They came to see the baby and brought gifts.  After the program, the wise men and the angel were quick to get out of their costumes on to something else, but Mary and Joseph wanted their roles to continue for awhile.  They were so cute!!

 On Sunday, December 26th, we went to the Jeppson's.  We enjoyed a delicious dinner and exchanging of gifts.  We missed Jessica and Emmanuel, Ben and Cassie and their kids.  Before dinner we did talk to Ben and Koen on the phone and that was great.

Eric opening a gift from Grandma.  "It's pajamas!"

Rubie loved her new outfit so much she had to put it on right then.

The kids were hilarious!  They cheered each other on when opening their gifts and Eric even exclaimed, "Now that's what I call Christmas!"

Stayed tuned for the next post to see awesome pictures of our sledding skills.