6 months down!

Our girl is officially 1/3 of the way done. If she were an Elder she'd only have half more to go. One year left. There is isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of her or pray her. I'll remember some funny thing she said or hear her voice in my head singing a familiar tune and my heart is immediately filled with joy. While I'm proud of her work and thrilled for her growth, I do miss that little lady of mine. What I wouldn't give to be a fly on the wall and watch her in action for just a minute.

Her weekly emails are like manna from heaven. In her last last letter she said the following:

I can't thank you enough for supporting me and taking such good care of me while I'm away. I get so worried you are all going to forget that I'm out here... but knowing that you are still all thinking about me was an answer to my prayers.

Oh sweet, precious girl, how could I ever forget you when a part of my heart is somewhere out there in Nicaragua.

Summer is in full swing

Hello sweet girl,

You have finally hit your four month mark! Amazing Sarah. The many people you have met and the growth you have experienced in such a short time is astounding, yet it feels like you've been gone much longer! Your letters and pictures bring us so much joy. Keep them coming. We live for Monday's :)

We started off the summer with Papi, Julia, Grandma Martha, Marisa and family gathering for Josh's graduation/ 1st time at the temple, as well as baby Corina's baby blessing.

Here we are at the end of a long weekend. Looking tired but content just being together. I love these people!

I got this off Instagram, so the quality isn't the greatest but baby Corina looks like a baby doll in her blessing dress so I just had to include it. She is a miniature version of her Papa, but much cuter, of course. Tia Crystal looking gorgeous as usual.

Don't know if you've heard but cousin Mayra is engaged!!! Her family is all coming in from Mexico and the wedding is planned for early next month at the SL temple. We are so happy for her and Jared!

Dad is still going strong in tennis and taking acting classes here and there. Here he is playing an FBI agent in the upcoming movie Inspired Guns. Looks like he nabbed the crooks red handed as the big guy is down on his knees. We'll keep you posted as to any Oscar nominations ;)

 

I am busy running this crew to and fro and working part time at City Creek. Making time to help the boys practice their instruments, read, and learn to work has been a major focus. Joseph is half way done with the big blue Book of Mormon readers we have and is soaking them up like a sponge. He and Samuel battle it out with swords and pretend they are Nephites and Lamanites. Sammy takes great pride in his name's sake, Samuel the Lamanite and jumps off of furniture proclaiming he is invincible.

As she wrote you in her previous letter Analisa and Ryan went with another couple to Disneyland. The very tiny girl they went with was the Disney Princess, Tinker Bell. Her date was a 6'11 BYU basketball player. Between the four of them traipsing around California I'm sure they were quite the sight.

Kate is working hard earning money for her upcoming trip to India next Spring. She was so adorable pulling people around at the Arts Festival. Matthew, Keaton and Lexie came and helped her. They earned a couple hundred in donations alone. Having her work and find ways to earn the trip herself will make her appreciate it that much more. Not that she wouldn't, but you know, a little hard work never hurt nobody :)

 

 When the boys get their "jobs "done we usually head over to the pool for an afternoon swim. Samuel's friend Ryan is a like a member of the family. They are two peas in a pod. Listening to their conversations is pure entertainment.

Sammy insisted we snuggle up and watch Monsters Inc before heading to the theater to watch the newest Pixar, Monsters University. He's pretending to be scared in the picture. Ha.

There are lots of movies and songs we are keeping track of for you. Superman, Man of Steel, Despicable Me 2, A Zombie movie to watch with Canon called World War Z, and The Lone Ranger all made the list. Whenever we hear a cool new song we add it our "Jam out with Sarah" playlist. At the top of that list is Treasure by Bruno Mars and Clarity by Zedd.  We are adding Latin songs that you recommend as well so when you get home we are going to have a kickin party with gallopinto and everything!

Life is beautiful sweetheart. Either here in East Millcreek or out in Granada, Nicaragua there is always so much to be grateful for! Praying for you constantly. Sending our love. xoxo

♥Mom

Dear Sarah

My darling Sarah,

I can't believe you are in Nicaragua! We got your letter! We laughed and cried and then re-read it over and over again. What an adventure! And what I wouldn't give to walk those dirt roads with you and wash your aching feet at the end of a long day. Words can't express our love for you and for the people taking care of you. Bless them! The people you are meeting will never forget you and forever be blessed for your service and example. Send us pictures! Oh man, mother's day can't get here soon enough!

Thank goodness you finally received one of my packages. The other two will hopefully find their way to you sooner than later. Here is a picture of the t-shirts you requested. I will send them to your new address 1st thing tomorrow. Crossing my fingers they make it there soon!

Since I know you love pictures, I'll give you an update of what everyone's been up to along with a few pics.

Tulips are in all their glory on Sunnydale. They make me smile every time I look outside or drive up. Wish they lasted more than 3 weeks.

Analisa just finished her 1st year at BYU! She is officially set on majoring in Elementary Ed and wants to minor in Modern Dance. To quote her final instagram on campus, "It's been real. Till next Fall. #rollout " 

We went to the Creamery to use up the last of her meal card $ and ran into two boys that she'd dated earlier in the semester. They both teased her about being a heart-breaker and looked at her longingly as they said good-bye. See ya in two years, she chirped. Or not, she whispered to me ;) Scott on the left is heading to Canada and Christian to Dallas, Texas Spanish speaking.

After taking a 4 1/2 hour Accounting final, cutie pie Ryan helped her move two carloads full of stuff back home. A few nights later after a late night drive home from SLC to Provo he fell asleep at the wheel two blocks from his place and ran into an apartment building, totaling his car! He is fine but we have since moved her curfew up to 10pm in hopes of saving that poor boy's life. I'm sure she'll tell you all about it in her next letter. 

Kate went with the Skyline orchestra and choirs to sunny California on tour. Remember the pic you and Canon took at that very same beach on the very same tour? You'll have to tell me when his homecoming is so we can welcome him back to the states and test out his Español.  

I went along for the fun of it and had a blast chillin with baby Kate.

In the dark on Pirates waiting to check out Jack Sparrow!

Can I just tell you Cars Land at California Adventures feels like you just stepped into real life Radiator Springs! We are definitely going there when you get back. Your brothers are planning out the whole thing. It'll be awesome.  

 

Chester says hello and sends his best. He is fat and happy and could probably use a little more time on his exercise wheel (so could Topher for that matter) :)

Jacks dogs are the cutest things ever. Jack informed me the other day, as only Jack can, that they do not speak English so next time they take a nibble at Sammy he needs to yelp so they understand he doesn't approve.  Wonder what language Nicaraguan dog's speak? Ha

As part of the activities committee we put on a Linger Longer after church where people brought food to share as we stayed and mingled. It was fun and I got my two church besties to pose for a picture. They ask about you all the time and are praying for you!  

Uncle Chris came by last Sunday and took us all out on rides. Joseph was the 1st passenger and is giving you a personal thumbs up! The boys all love when I read your letters to them. They pray for you too and you're example gives them great desire to follow in your footsteps someday.  

Sweet Sammy pulled off a great Neil Armstrong at the 2nd grade Great American Wax Museum. It's nice to have his Halloween costume all taken care of come Fall. 

He is a also a proud member of the Grasshoppers baseball team. Mr. Tough Stuff himself scored a run last game which had us all on our feet cheering! Dad was substitute coach that day and led the little guys to an 11-4 victory against the Iron Pigs. No joke.

Matthew and I went skiing for the last time this season. Be sure to tell those Nicaraguan mamas he's a real gentleman. He insists on helping me put on my boots and carries my skis to and from the car.  We talk about music the entire way up and down the mountain. He instinctively knows so much and hears things I can only hear once he points them out. He is obsessed with the album Mylo Xyloto by Coldplay and is really developing his singing voice.  

We will be blasting your music recommendations! MoTab and Prince Royce look out :)  

Keep those letters coming sweet girl! You are a ROCK STAR in our eyes. We love you and pray for you constantly!! Rock on!

Love, 

Mom

Spring Break

Darling Sarah,

How are you baby girl? Less than two weeks and you'll be out in the field. I can't believe it! Have you gotten the packages I sent a month ago? I hope so!

Last week brought snow, sun and rain. Lots of rain!  A few days after we went skiing we went on a picnic with Crystal and her boys. The sun was a welcome sight. Kate busted out your old booty shorts and tried her luck at long boarding. She wasn't quite as good as her mama but she's young and has plenty of time to catch up. Unfortunately, there isn't a picture to prove it, but you can ask Crystal. I got skills ;)

 

Sammy chose to do his Great American school report on Neil Armstrong. He wore his costume for two days straight and has been practicing repeating 10 interesting facts for his presentation. I bet you didn't know Mr. Armstrong was an accomplished musician. It inspired him to practice which was an added perk. He's also been practicing his famous quote, "One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." I'm sure I'll put up more pics next week after the "Wax Museum" event.

  

Spring break =Spring cleaning

Matthew had the job of cleaning windows inside and out. We borrowed a ladder from Jack and got them squeaky clean. Even though it rained the very next day, they still looked a ton better than before they were done. Thank you Matthew!

Katherine put off her job of cleaning the dress-up closet till Friday night. All I had to say was no to hanging out with friends until she finished her job. Needless to say she got it done quick, with the help of her trustee side-kick, Matt.  I don't think it's ever been cleaner :)

 

Saturday and Sunday were dedicated to Conference. We all took such comfort in knowing that you were watching the same thing at the very same time! Did you catch a glimpse of Shauna in the choir? I was so excited you could see people from home who know and love you. My favorite talks were  President Uchtdorf- The Hope of God's Light and Elder Holland- Lord I Believe. I think I went through a whole box of Kleenex on those two talks alone. Every time anyone said the word missionary my heart would swell with pride and joy knowing they were talking specifically about you! What strength is found in listening to voice of the Lord through his humble servants.

We watched the Sunday morning session at grandma and grandpa's house. I think even Katherine has passed him up in height. Cute Grampy.

 

Analisa and Ryan, Kate and Matt all attended the 2nd session on Sunday. What a blessing to be able to sit at the prophets feet and hear them speak. One of those perks from living in Utah that to often we take for granted. They came over after for dinner. Here are all the crazies.

I have to tell you how incredibly sweet it is to hear Samuel pray for you at every meal and bedtime. It's so heartfelt and full of faith. Surely the Lord hears the prayers of those for the missionaries. His prayer usually says something like, "And please bless Sarah on her mission. Bless the people she will meet that they will open their doors and hear what she has to say." We love you sweet girl! We are cheering for you every step of the way! 

Spring

Dearest Sarah,

Happy Easter darling girl! I am following through with my promise of keeping my blog updated on the weekly happenings here at comfy chaos headquarters. I know you love pictures so here's a whole slew of them that describe our last week.

 

I am happy to report after a very long winter, Spring has finally sprung. My mini daffodils are dancing in the garden in all their glory. The red tulips will make their debut shortly and I can't wait.

 

Spring also brought two new neighbors. Meet Prudence and Jackson! They are adorable! Poor Jack and Teresa are having to get up every hour to take them potty but Jack seems to have have an extra spring in his step. His 4 cats are hanging out in the trees more than usual. I'm sure it won't be to long before they all get into a routine. 

 

 

We made our annual trek to the Capital theater for another awesome dance concert. It was weird having only 1 child in the show this year. But oh did she represent! Her dance was by far the best in the whole show. Baby Kate looked all grown up on that stage and her moves had us all not wanting to blink in fear we'd miss a beat. I have a rough video that I'll have to put up here soon. Your sis was awesome. You would have been so proud :)

 

 

 

 

She had quite the fan base. Grandma and Grandpa, Matt and even Jace came to support and see her in action. Abagail's Dad, Jared says, hey and wanted to be in the group shot knowing we'd be sending it to you. Ha.

Easter found us this year at Cristina's house. New birth cradled in my arms was heavenly. 

 

 

Mr. and Miss's Chicken

Easter Egg Hunters

Your gorgeous sisters

Spring Break is in full gear around here. With steady rain down in the valley the boys and I headed up the canyon and found snow! Sammy and I stuck to the bunny hill and live to tell about it. Fun times! 

There you have it sweetheart. Our week in a nut shell. Can't wait to hear all about your adventure's in Guatemala. There isn't a day that we don't think about you! Praying for you constantly! Shine bright like a diamond ;) Be happy and confident knowing you are on the Lord's errand. Love you so much!!

Mom