Spreading Sunshine for Jaylen

At the end of September, some of our dearest friends, Dave and Rebecca, had a tragedy happen at their home. Rebecca's little nephew, Jaylen, drowned in the hot tub in their backyard. He was just about to turn two. As a ward and community, we rallied around both them and Jaylen's parents as much as we could, trying to ease their burdens and bring some joy to their lives at such a difficult time. I was blown away by the outpouring of support and love that they were presented with. We organized a day of yard beautification at their home while they were out of town, filled their house with flowers and well-wishes from the kids' friends, and were able to donate a sum of money to cover expenses for Jaylen's parents. It was an honor to be involved and our love for all of the Smiths and Garners has only grown through their trial and our opportunities to serve.

A tree that was planted in honor of little Jaylen.

The Smiths' cul-de-sac was filled to the brim with helpers' cars!

We took our kids down to the Garner home a couple of days later to do some work in their yard. We placed some pumpkins by the door and planted some colorful blooms.

Jaylen's extended family organized a service day on his birthday. They encouraged people to go around spreading joy and sunshine with strangers, whether with happy notes and smiles or good deeds. We had fun getting involved. Audrey and some of the other young women spread smiles at Walmart and the boys passed out cards with information about Jaylen and encouraging thoughts at the Rangers game.

We love you, Smith and Garner families!

Saying goodbye. Again!

We have had so many dear friends move away this summer, and it's really getting tiresome. I wish people would never leave! But, then again, some lovely new friends have come into our lives, too, and so I guess change can be good sometimes.

Sandi and I met about 4 years ago when they first moved here. She has three redheads just like I do, and their grades all matched up. Collin and Miles became quick playmates, and Audrey and Macie have had so many good times together. Sandi and I traveled to Lubbock and Knoxville together with the girls' DI team, and spent many fun times with our families at t-ball games, school functions, and parties. We've run out of gas in the middle of nowhere and shared a hotel room. She is a dear friend. We will miss all five of the Johnsons so much! They are moving to Carmel, Indiana, right where Elliott and Ginger used to live. So at least we will be able to picture their new life. Maybe one day, we could make a visit.

Sandi worked at the school that Audrey attends, so some ladies from the school got together Saturday night to wish Sandi well on her new adventure. We had a great time!

Visit with Mom and Dad

We had a really nice visit with my mom and dad. They came into town for a meeting with Macy's, and mom was able to stay the rest of the week, while Dad came and went and then came back. We always love having extra huggers around, and we needed them here unexpectedly on Saturday night when some friends needed help. We love you guys; come back!

Mom and I drove down to Dallas one day to see if we could find some of her old houses. This is the only one we were able to positively identify. Mom lived here in the late 1950s. This house is on Coral Hills Court. She remembered planting the grass plugs in the front yard with her mom, and her dad built a screened-in porch in the back. She thought the little hill to the left of the picture was so much steeper than it really was! Funny how that happens.

A cold front came through at the end of the week, and along with some nice rain, we enjoyed cooler temperatures! We spent most of Saturday outside. Hooray!

Flag Day 2013

Miles with his buddies at FES Flag Day. This is such a fun tradition at our local school. Miles had fun with all of the first graders in red! They did a great job singing their song and honoring those who serve our country and town.

Arizona Visit

From Canyon, the boys and I drove on to Mesa to visit with some Parkers. We went all summer without seeing anyone from my family, so even though it is really far and school had already started, we felt the trip was a necessary one! We arrived after a long day of driving and instantly settled in to Stephanie's cozy home.

A couple of days later, Julianne, Toni, my mom and dad and Audrey and Neal arrived, in time to celebrate Toni and Oliver's birthdays! They share a special day, and we had fun treating them to gifts and treats.

Elliot is the cutest little dude. We had lots of fun chatting and admiring his silly ways.

Julianne and Toni have been in Africa all year, so it was such a treat to see them and be with them! We love the Weis family!

 

The grown-ups went out one night for Thai food in Scottsdale. We had such a lovely time.

Audrey and Mabel always pick up where they left off. I only wish Audrey could have been there more. Alas, seventh grade and a new, intense school day kept her home with Neal most of the week. But daddy and daughter had a nice time together for four days!

Toni is always such a fun playmate for the kids. They are crazy about him because he always does their bidding.

We stopped by Guitar Center to indulge Neal and Parker one afternoon.

The sky was so magical during our drive home Saturday night and Sunday. We found the rainbows when we woke up early in Willcox, Arizona, and the rainstorm outside of Ranger, Texas. Amazing! 

We are ready to be done with travel for a bit. Lots of things need doing here at home, and we are staying busy. I am feeling so grateful for my family, both small and large, near and far. We are so blessed.

Canyon Trip

Our lovely niece, Megan, chose a wonderful man to marry. They were sealed in Logan, Utah in August, and since we weren't able to make it up there, we headed over to Canyon for their Texas Open House. We had a great time, though the trip was quick! Julie and Shelby had organized a lovely home-based party. A pretty tent in the back, an amazing cake, some dancing and lots of nice people. We were so glad we could attend!

Miles lost his other top tooth the night before. This smile just knocks me out, it's so cute.

 With the happy couple.

Our dear friends, the Lelands, live in the same stake as the Horns, and they have become friends! Hooray! Callie and her family were at the reception, too. We love any chance to see these people! It's so fun to watch all the kids grow up. Audrey and Callie have been friends for seven years!