Table for Eight

Our whole fam--dropping Elder Meehan off at the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah. Well, this was a HUGE week for our family: Elder Meehan (Jay) began his service as a full-time missionary for our church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints). It was really an emotional week, filled with highs and lows.  We're so happy/excited/proud of Jay for serving a two-year service mission. But it's definitely hard to say goodbye for two years. (We will only have written contact for the next two years. And a phone call on Christmas and Mother's Day.). It's a bit like sending him off to college AND Survivor in my mind: It's going to be an awesome adventure, filled with experiences that are life-changing. He's one amazing kiddo to do this (and we are fortunate to be able to send him). Here are some of the photos from his send off at the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah. (We are fortunate to live in Utah because we were all ...

Jay and Tyler Howells (who also spoke in church w/ Jay). Tyler was Jay's leader at church, as well as his employer. He is one amazing mentor. Jay has been so fortunate to have his support and guidance over the years. Yesterday was Jay's missionary farewell at church (and pie party afterwards--thanks to the Stephenson fam!)--and it was such a happy day. Jay did a great job speaking at church and had a ton of support from ward/congregation family and friends.  It was humbling and overwhelming to think of all the people who help and love our family on a daily basis. We are so blessed.  And we felt that blessing yesterday. (It reminded me of an old-fashioned barn-raising: all of the love and support that people lend on special days. It's just an awesome feeling, and I pray we remember to lend that support/love to others on their special days. It means so much .) Jay, we love you. It's hard to imagine that this day is finally here. We are going to miss your gu...

Jr., Papaya, and Jay First things first: Papaya has a lapbelt on. We're all about the seatbelts. Second thing: I am so grateful for new days, for fresh starts, and for reasons to smile. Because every day begins brand new. Past hurts, mistakes, anger, injustices ... they are all wiped away each new day. That's right. Each day, begins anew. Brand new ... if you have the faith to just believe. And we do. Boy, do we ever. **** PS: Thanks to Susan in Florida for sharing her Pistachio Pie recipe with me. We made it Sunday and loved it: Pineapple Pistachio Heath Bar Cool Whip Pie * Graham cracker pie crust * 1 pkg pistachio jello mix (large) * 1 container Cool Whip (large) * 1 can crushed pinapple (large, undrained) * Heath candybar bits (handfull?) 1. Mix all ingredients, save 3-4 tbs of the Heath. 2. Fill pieshell. 3. Chill. 4. Serve with sprinkles of the remaining Heath. From our daughter, Bam--for Dre Dre.

Lu and Me getting ready for her baptis m--two weeks after m y return from Survivor South Paci fic (2 summers a go). First of f, Happy Friday ! G uess what? It's snowing here in Utah this morning. Woo hoo! Okay, so back to my point : I have a confession to make. A s much as working out and taking care of my phy sical/mental body/mind has CHANG ED my life (Survivor was the o riginal cataly st) ... after Survivor Caramoan, I somehow lost my love for doing anything remotely physical. And I mean anything. And as a result, I stopped working out (minus a few random long walk s, hikes, and trips to the pool) until this past M onday. This past Monday! Yup. I hadn't worked out--really worked out--si nce Monday of this past week. It's hard to believe (for me) , but true. I don 't know why I stopped ( W e 'll I do. My brain just said "NO " ) . And I'm not sure why I started again ( T he brai...

There's a great scene i n the movie The Bird Cage , where Robin Williams' chara cter is concerned about his partner's sta te of mind ( played by Nathan Lan e ).   A s he ( Williams) laundry-lists his concerns , Lane's character heads o ver to their "Humble Man-Servant" ( Hank A zaria) and says, "Give me a PIRIN" tablet and I'll be fin e." To which William s' character says, "You're giving him drugs?" To which Azaria replies, "No. Shhhh ! It's A spirin with the 'A' and the 'S' scratched off. " Fol ks. I think Dave and I have been living that scene over and over again these past two weeks--as life has dealt us some pretty overwhelming challenges. And honestly, if it weren't for the PIRIN tablets (and a n insanely funny /supportive family ) , I think I'd have a head ache the size of Tex as.   So, what are the challenges? Well, I think they're norma l every d...