The Best Two Years

Today we dropped Elder Paxman off at the Mission Training Center in Provo.

It was a good day.

Yesterday we spent quality family time and went out to dinner at Ruby River, Ben's choice.

We then went to the Stake President's office to see Benjamin set apart as a full time missionary.

It was a wonderful experience for all of us.

He was given a really powerful blessing.

I didn't know what to expect as this is our first missionary, but I really enjoyed our time there.  The Stake President really took time to visit, offer good advice and share insight for Benjamin.

This photo is of my kids before dinner.

 Here we all are after the setting apart.

 We then came home and a really thoughtful friend Julie Nokes brought us homemade dessert.

Chocolate Mint Brownies with Vanilla Ice Cream and Chocolate Covered Strawberries.

It was such a nice thing for her to do and we loved it!

This morning we went to Kneaders for bottomless French Toast.  Delicious!

Then home to finish packing.  I really wanted the packing done a few days ago.  Linc insisted that we just put it all on Bailee's bed and pack on Wednesday morning.  I couldn't figure out his thinking.  But, this morning it all made perfect sense.  Elder Paxman didn't have to report to the MTC until 1:45.  Dad's thinking was that packing this morning would keep us all busy and keep our minds occupied.  It worked!  We really just enjoyed each other, with no time to sit, think, and worry.

Elder Paxman before leaving home.

 Elder Paxman's nerves definitely started increasing the closer we got to Provo.  So did mine for that matter.   Upon arriving we saw the neatest sight.  Hundreds of missionaries lining the curb of the MTC waiting to greet the new incoming missionaries.  To get the full story see Elder Paxman's mission blog.

 We shared some quick hugs and some "I Love Yous" and that was it.

 Then he turned and walked away without looking back.

It has been an emotional day.

I am so glad he has chosen to serve the lord in this way.

I know his life will be blessed as he blesses the lives of those he serves.

The Lord is hastening his work and Elder Paxman gets to be a part of it.

15 Days

In just 15 short days...

I can't believe it's almost time.

Honestly, I feel a little stressed.

Have I taught him all the important things needed to survive in the world?

Will he be able to do his own laundry without ruining his clothes?

Will he eat things besides Ramen?

Have we bought everything he needs?

I am making lists and checking them twice.

I really want to be all done by Friday.

Suitcases packed, all tasks finished.

I just want us to enjoy the last ten days doing nothing but spending quality family time.

You raise a son his whole life with this goal.

Serving a two year mission.

Now that it's really here I feel....

No words can really describe how it feels to think of sending your son off into the world for two years.  Two years that you will not see him.  At all.  It's going to be an adjustment for sure.

Wish us luck.

And the walls come tumbling down...

We have been busy busy at our house this last month.

Somewhere in the middle of January we undertook a project that had a definite timeline.

This wall between my kitchen and living room was coming down.

My only requirement was that if we started it, it HAD to be finished before Ben's mission farewell on February 10th.

Linc promised that this would happen.

He keeps his promises.

We painted the case and base on Saturday, February 9th.

It was a close one.

Here is the wall before

 Benjamin and Brooklyn really enjoyed tearing it down. 

They started with Ben kicking a hole in the wall and then away they went with the hammer.

Sadly the only picture I have of the kicking is on my phone. ;)

 Even at this point I couldn't believe the difference.

Taking out this wall meant moving a lot of electrical and the cold air return.

 All cleaned up, a layer of mud on the ceiling and ready for tile.

 We did live in some sort of construction zone for about 3 weeks.

Make a mess, clean it up, make another mess, clean it up.

This is what I did almost every day.

 When we redid our kitchen many years ago we tiled wall to wall in case we ever wanted to make changes.

So we really didn't want to tear out all of that tile.  It would have required taking out all of the cabinets.

We decided to look for a border that would tie the two tiles together.

I was happy with the outcome.

 Next came the painting.

Have I ever said how much I LOVE to paint walls?...

NOT.

It actually required painting a blend into the ceiling and the walls.

I have loved the color of my living room walls.

Instead of changing the whole upstairs paint, we just took out the dark wall in my living room and painted the kitchen the same color that is throughout the upstairs living area.

I love it.

 Here you can see the one really dark wall that was repainted to the lighter shade.

 Last came the base and case.

We put new base in the hall and re cased the doors.

We also cased in the new windows.

I love the way they turned out as well.

But taping the walls off to paint this casing....Heavy Sigh.

A project.

 It is finished!

We had the existing carpet cut and tucked into the tile.

The next part of this project will be to remove the bar in the kitchen and make a smaller island with granite counter tops and a tile back splash.  Also new carpet throughout the house.

However....

We have other costs this next year...like a mission to name one.

So it might be a project for the homecoming.

When all is said and done, I wish I had done this to my house years ago, during the years when my home was full of teenagers.  It opened up our space and made it feel like a brand  new home.  I absolutely love it.

to inspire and to be inspired...

 I was nominated for a Liebster.

Which I guess in German means "Favorite".

I was going to title this post favorite, simply because the word Liebster..well isn't attractive.

But then I decided on the words from the heart.

So my job.

1.  Post 11 random things about myself.

2.  Answer 11 questions my nominator set for me.

3.  Create 11 questions for my nominees.

4.  Nominate 11 other fellow bloggers with fewer than 200 followers. (no Tag Backs)

5.  Tell them each of their nomination.

I may or may not nominate 11 others, I don't know how many I follow that haven't already been tagged.

As with Katie, who nominated me...

If your not up to this, just know I love to read your blog, post the picture and move on with your day.

That all being said, here goes.

11 Random facts about me:

1.  I have been coloring my hair for about 5 years because I have so much Grey.

2.  I grew up in a family much like the Brady Bunch, some of his, some of hers.

3.  My parents wanted to name me Veronica, but changed to Nichole.   I am thankful. I don't feel like I could have been a Veronica.

4.  I have four very sharp vampire teeth.

5.  My second toe is longer than my big toe.  Gross.

6.  I sucked my first two fingers until I was about 12.  I can't believe I admitted that publicly.

7.  My ears have almost no cartilage.  Ask me to fold them up to a little ball, I can.

8.  I have had knee surgery on both knees.

9.  I am terrified of spiders.

10.  I met my husband by writing to him while he was on his mission.... We were strangers when I started writing.

11.  My eyes change colors when I cry.

11 Questions my Nominator set for me:

1.  How old were you when you got your first kiss, or alternatively how old were you when you first thought you were "in love" with someone?  My first kiss was the summer between 6th and 7th grade on the fourth of July.  We were sitting in a baseball dugout at Riverton park watching the fireworks with friends.

2.  What is your favorite color for a front door?  Black. Mine isn't because I have a West facing house and it would be too hot.

3.  What song are you slightly embarrassed to admit you love?  "Call me Maybe"

4.  If you could do anything you wanted for a day, what would that be? Relax watching movies/hanging with the family.

5.  What fictional character are you in love with?  Mr Darcy.

6.  With whom are you most likely to argue, and least likely to argue?  Most likely would be Brooklyn. (it's her age)  Least likely would be the dog. (he doesn't talk back ever) he he.

7.  What is your favorite holiday and why?  Independence Day or Pioneer Day.  It's summer, and I love all things patriotic, family BBQ's, small town rodeos, etc.

8.  What is your favorite you have created yourself?  My children.... although I guess I had some help.

9.  What was your favorite toy as a child?  Bottle rockets. ;)  We used to have amazing wars with the kids across the street.

10.  What is something that you'd like to improve?  My personal scripture study.

11.  What act of service might you perform for a total stranger?  I guess it would depend on the need I saw, but maybe some type of road side assistance.

The bloggers I chose are:

Bailee at passionate4performing

Heather at the Stronghold

Carrie at Staying on Track

Kathie at Crazy Lady...thought I'd give you a reason to blog.

Keli at Keli's note to self.... thought I'd give you a reason to blog too. I have missed reading. ;)

Tasha

Annalee at Dimonds in the Rough... You needed a reason to blog too. ;)

Brooklyn at Diaries of a Diva

Jill at Follow along too.  You guys got me into blogging...so yeah.

Alicia at Forget me Not

Again ladies, no pressure.  I love reading your blogs.  Below find my questions for you.

11 Random Questions for you to answer:

1.  Who was your childhood best friend?

2.  What's your guilty pleasure?

3.  Do you screen your calls with Caller ID?

4.  What's your favorite T.V. show?

5.  Snow...Love it, hate it, or tolerate it?

6.  What's the farthest place from home you have ever been?

7.  Do you paint your toenails in winter?

8.  How long will you let dirty dishes sit in your kitchen sink?

9.  What is your least favorite and also favorite household chore?

10.  If you could read anything what would it be?

11.  What is your favorite scripture or thought and why?