Fun Surprise

Moms and Dads:

We fed your sons tonight, and they returned the favor by feeding us spiritually.  Thought you might like to see how they are doing.

Brother and Sister Cairns
Twin Oaks Ward
Atlanta Georgia Stake
770-592-7808
mormon.org/me/34XS/

Ryan's Farewell

Ryan got his mission call to the Georgia Atlanta mission, and left for the MTC on June 20, 2012. It's been an interesting period of time as he has prepared to get ready to go.

Shopping with a rather OCD child can take a long time. It can cost a lot of money...to find the right suit, shirts, and shoes that feel right! He is a little, okay probably a lot nervous about the whole thing, but I think he will do great!

I made a You Tube Video, and I can't get it to link into the blog, but you can view it from here. These are of friends and family at his farewell.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4YdQarNMXQ

I am starting a blog for his mission. The link is www.calledtoserveinatlanta.blogspot.com

Lauren and Ryan in the car on the way to the MTC

She said she is keeping it on her phone until he gets home...that will work as long as she doesn't get her picture taken with Justin Beiber!

It was a great year...hopefully many more to come!

Its wonderful how life evolves. Even though there have been many times I would have liked to make time stand still, it has kept marching forward. I find it doesn't do anyone any good to long for the past, or try to stop time from moving forward. I find that we have to decide each day what we will do to make the next days better, and take time in our days to enjoy the moments we are living and experiencing.
I feel a little sentimental and "old" because I see my children growing up. It seems like such a short time ago I spent almost every waking...and some of the moments I needed to be sleeping, caring for them...loving them, teaching them, policing them, directing them, nurturing them and making sure they were safe, healthy and progressing. Now I find myself with great memories, some regrets, and marveling at who they are becoming.
It is a payday for me to spend Sunday evenings with my family. It seems that is the day we all find time to spend a few moments together. There are other times too, any time I get a few minutes in their busy lives is wonderful! Can't move on to 2012 without remembering some of the great things from 2011...I wasn't a very good poster! I resolve to do better...but here is are some of the important things from 2011.

Cameron's Nursing School Graduation May 2011

• Cameron graduated from SLCC with a RN degree! Lots of years of studying and working hard to finally reach this goal…..and for an encore, he passed his NCLEX exam and is trying to find a nursing job. Not quite the shortage of nurses that there was when he started studying nursing. Never fear Cam, the job market in nursing ebbs and flows with the economy, I have faith it will turn around! For now he is focusing on his job at the Apple Store at Gateway Mall in downtown SLC. He has been given some promotions and really loves what he is doing there.

Ryan on a "Swamp Tour" in Louisiana

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Ryan's High School Graduation...1 month after he graduated from Salt Lake Community College...kind of funny....

Ryan and his friends in Oceanside for his Graduation trip

• Ryan Graduated from High School and Salt Lake Community College with high honors! He starts BYU in the fall. received a scholarship sponsored by Coca Cola and went to New Orleans, LA to receive it. Greg and I accompanied him and it was an awesome trip! Great food, jazz music, warm weather when we were freezing in Utah…it was a true adventure.

Greg and Karine--Hawaiian Cruise February 2011

• Greg and I went on a fantastic cruise to Hawaii. We went with Karine's parents and some other friends...a neighbor organized the cruise, and many people from the neighborhood went. What a way to spend 10 days in February! Wish we were there now. Whenever it is cold here I have warm relaxing thoughts of Hawaii!

Matt and Sharlene's Sealing in the Salt Lake Temple July 1, 2011

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  Matt and Sharlene were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple in July--so happy for them and their cute little family.
  
  
  Juliette Kay Romero born Oct 11, 2011

• Juliette Kay Romero was born in October! We think she is absolutely perfect! We adore her! Matt and Sharlene are such wonderful parents!

Taylor with Juliette...the whole family can't get enough of her!

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Cam and Lindsey's dog Bruce...

• We had a great Christmas. Cam and Lindsey have moved into the basement for a while. Cam's graduation gift was a dog, a puggle, they named, Bruce. He is the most photogenic dog I have ever seen. He has found his way into our hearts and loves romping with Milo and Rocky. They are saving for a house and seeing what job opportunities are best for them right now. It was nice to have them around for the holidays...I think Taylor has enjoyed having his brother back home too!