Derek's Farewell and Lauren's Baptism

This is going to be a fun weekend. Derek, Julie and Doug's second oldest son, is going on a mission to San Jose, California Spanish Speaking and his farewell is this Sunday at 9:00 in the morning. Yeah, early but I'm sure well worth the extra effort it will take to be there on time. I can't believe little Derek is all grown up and ready to go. He's pretty excited and so is all of the family.

My sister Cyndi came down last Wednesday and brought mom and dad with her. We went up to Julie's last night and got to see everyone. Dad has lost a lot of weight and looked a little tired. I worry about him, he takes such good care of mom but it looks like it's wearing on him somewhat. My mom looks good but when you talk to her it becomes quite evident that her health is really failing. Her memory is getting worse and worse and she can't remember things for more than a minute or two at a time. She didn't have any trouble remembering me last night and always knew who I was but had a real hard time keeping track of who Amy was. She asked her many times who she was and whose little girl Alie was. Then she would ask Amy if she was getting married soon or if she had a boyfriend. Amy explained to her a few times that her husband had passed away two years ago and then mom would tell her how sorry she was and ask if there was anything she could do for her. I felt so bad for her. It was heart wrenching to watch.

Then as we would talk she would fade in and out and then ask more questions about things we had just told her. It was hard to see her that way. Dad is so patient with her and would just kindly explain it to her again. She asked us once if her mother knew where she was because she would be upset if she didn't know. I told her that her mother did know and that seemed to satisfy her. She is so sweet, I don't ever want to loose her but know that that is not an option. I am so thankful for my knowledge of life after death and the fact that we, as a family belong together for eternity and that through our faithfulness we will be.

Adam and Brittany came up from Utah for the weekend. I really encouraged them to come so they could see grandma and grandpa. They have never met Andie and I wanted them to at least get to see her. I am so grateful for the effort and sacrifice they made to come. I know it meant a lot to grandma and grandpa and also to me. I love the picture they took with them at Lauren's baptism. Thanks you guys, I love you all so much!

Any way, we got to visit with Cyndi and Kandace as well before they left and came to Blackfoot to have Cyndi do their nails. I'm looking forward to spending some time with Cyndi and Kevin in Calgary next month. I think we'll take the four wheelers with us and just spend some time having fun. It's been a while since we spent some time with them, I'm sure it will be fun. I am so looking forward to a vacation. Cyndi and I talked a little about it yesterday and I'm very excited.

Kendall and Jen came up last night also and we had a really nice visit together. They are building a new home and doing really well. I'm excited for them, they are so happy and so good together. Jen makes him so very happy, I am grateful to her for that. He deserves to be happy. Jordann and her boyfriend came up as well. She is such a sweetie. I hope she is happy, she's had a rough life and deserves to be happy.

With Lauren turning eight this last birthday she is now old enough to be baptized and so her Uncle Logan is going to baptize her on Sunday evening after Derek's farewell. Adam and Brittany are coming from Salt Lake on Saturday and Adam will confirm her Sunday night.

They bought a new Pathfinder so they have to come up to talk to the bank anyway so they'll be able to go to Derek's farewell and also Lauren's baptism. I'm excited about that. I'm also really excited that my folks will get to see little Andie Mae. This might be the last chance my mom will get to see their little family so I'm really glad they'll be here.

I guess I'd better go, still got things to get done this morning. I'll blog more after the weekend. It should be a good one!