Hi everyone. I'm sorry to log in as Kathryn but I still haven't figured out how to do it on my own. Maybe you can email that to me again Kathryn. Sorry! It was fun to hear about all of you in Utah while we visited briefly with Ralph and Kathryn. I know the boys really liked spending time with them and wish they could do so more often!
The weather has been beautiful here in St. Louis. Warm and sunny today. We are so excited about Tyler's mission call. He hasn't been able to sleep for days so I'm hoping this will settle him down a little. At least he won't be worried about where he's going anymore. All of the boys loved Paris when we visited last June. I had no idea that Tyler would go there so it makes it even more special that we visited so much of the city together as a family. Paris is truly one of my most favorite cities, (if not my favorite). It will be challenging to try to prepare Ty for his mission with him so far away and Justin's graduation in May. I'm sure it will all work out but I am already tired just thinking about it! He will gone too soon. Wish we had all summer to enjoy him but I know he is anxious to serve! He is a tremendous example to his brothers and I know he will be loved in France.
Justin also got some really great news this week. He was accepted to Byu's School of Music! As you probably know the School of Music is highly competitive and it is an honor for him to be accepted as a freshman. Because he was playing in the all state band on the day of the live auditions, we had to make a DVD of his audition. That nearly killed me. The music was very difficult. He hadn't had a lot of time to practice and I have never made a DVD (edited it etc.) before. The trumpet professor told me on the phone that they preferred live auditions and that it isn't common for freshman to get accepted into the program especially on an instrument like the trumpet (which is a very common instrument). Anyway, he found out on Monday and we are of course elated for him too. Unfortunately, his friend Parker Finlinson (a very talented saxophonist) didn't get accepted into the program. Justin is disappointed about that. It does reinforce how lucky he is to get in.
Ryan is getting strait "A"s and is preparing for his marimba solo that he will play in front of several state judges in a month or so. It takes a lot of courage to play in front of a judge at that age and be evaluated (and critiqued too). He is also playing in a state piano solo festival in a few weeks too.
We leave tomorrow night to go to Indianapolis for a hockey tournament for Jason. He loves hockey and the fact that the whole weekend "will be about him". He was also honored by our state representative with a distinguished character award. I think 12 5th graders from each district in the state are chosen by their school's principles and teachers to receive an award that will be given at a special ceremony on March 2 at the state capitol building. Their names also go on a plaque in the capitol building. We are really excited for him to receive this award!
I need to go and try to get together a care package for Tyler. Anytime any of you thinks to give him a call (314)369-4799 (or send him a text), I know he would love to hear from you. It has been a hard year for him to be so far away from home. I talk to him nearly everyday but I know he gets tired, lonely etc. so any encouragement you can give him is so appreciated! He is nervous about preparing for his mission but I know it will all come together great. I think I might see if Kennedy can give him a little pep talk!
John is very busy at work but feeling the effects of the economy. His business is directly affected by the economy and many people we know have lost jobs so it will undoubtedly be a leaner year for us financially. He is trying to help me help Justin get his eagle done. Nothing like waiting until the last minute! I am doing well. I am noticeably tired. I'm sure it could be from a lot of things but I am frustrated by my sleepiness. I slept nearly the whole time we were in Mexico. I had an MRI at the end of December that showed no improvement after my 6 weeks of intensive radiation and chemo. My oncologist seemed visibly disappointed when he explained to me the results of the mri. I will do chemo for a year for sure. Next January they may stop everything depending on the progress of the tumor. It has become too difficult for me to think about things too far into the future. Two people I know that were diagnosed at the same time as I was (both with different kinds of cancer & not brain tumors) have died already. I went the the viewing of the second one last night. They were both doing well & suddenly started doing poorly & died pretty suddenly. I am glad to have had the chance to see Tyler's mission call and Justin's acceptance in BYU music school. I find myself selfishly praying for more every night. More time to see Tyler come home and Justin leave on his mission, time to see Ryan and Jason graduate from high school etc. etc. I am starting to see that (as my surgeon wisely told me), it will never be enough. I love life and love my family and hope I get to see a lot more than anyone ever expected.
I love reading your blogs when I have time. It's fun to hear about your families and know you are all doing so well. Have a great day.
Love,
Michelle
