Sunday, November 16, 2008

Thank You Times a Million

I just want all of you to know that Wednesday morning this household woke up in a way that most mornings do not start. Claire started screaming (I know, shocker) for her Grandma and crying for over an hour. I am talking pounding her feet, throwing herself all over the floor because she was upset that her Grandma (and Grandpa, Tanis and CO.) weren't there. Porter sat sulking in the corner and I was bawling my eyes out.

Why? Well, here are your choices:

a) because I now had to stand up and get my kids breakfast on my own after a wonderful week of soreness, stitches and pampering,

b) because I missed Mom, Dad, Tanis, Hudson and cute baby Tate,

c) because I wished they could stay forever...seriously,

d) because I was still emotional from being pregnant, or

e) because I am always, pregnant or not, an emotional basket case.

The answer would have to be....ALL OF THE ABOVE. I called Tyler at work crying. (This he has been used to for the past 3 weeks, let's be honest, the past 6 years of our marriage), and when he asked why I just said, "I miss your family". He started almost laughing but his reply was, "I'm glad you love them so much." And, yes, I do love them so much.

Okay, here come the tears again...ahhhh! I just wanted to say Thank You a Million Million times for everything. Heavenly Father has given me so much insight and so many tender mercies throughout this whole experience, and one of those was MY family-you guys. I am so grateful for such a WONDERFUL mother-in-law...first off that she was in tune enough to feel the prompting to come with me to my doctor's appt 30 minutes after she walked through the door. Without her, I really don't know if I would have made it. I was a mess. I was a mess. I don't know another mother-in-law that would a)eat McDonald's for all meals in one day and pace the floor while I was in surgery. I don't know a mother-in-law that would sit there with you and counsel you with so much love and be the first one in the recovery room after surgery. She dressed me, helped me up, held my hand, talked for me when I couldn't, questioned the doctor when I was in shock and couldn't think for myself. I love you Mom. You were and are such a blessing. Thank you for the chicken noodle soup, for doing my laundry and dishes and for everything in between. I love you. I am seriously bawling so hard right now .

And Dad-thank you for the support and love and for the blessing that calmed me before surgery. Thank you for being such a wonderful grandpa to my kids. They love you and miss you so much. Tanis, holy cow-seriously, thank you for helping with the kids, cleaning, meals and being there to talk to. I miss you so much. It felt so wonderful to sit and have friends to talk to. I am bawling even harder. And Tim of course for being so flexible. I feel so awful that I feel like I ruined your short trip but I am so glad that you and Tanis got to go into the city before you left! Thanks for hanging out and being here.

Every morning since you left feels like Wednesday morning. I feel like crying. I miss you all and wish the rest of you could be here too. Thank you for all of your prayers and phone calls and concern. I have the best families in the world. I needed the support and you were here. I just owe you all a really big....something...i'm not sure but it would have to be big. Thank you. I miss you and hope that you come back (this time hopefully on better circumstances! )

Okay, I am bawling and can't see the keys to type anymore. Gosh, this feels like our Christmas Eve circle time bawling fest! Can't wait for that one! I wanted to leave a comment on Mom's blog but didn't know if you read the comments and I really needed to say thank you to everyone! I love you all.

Love,
Erica

My trip has come to an end

Dear Everyone,
We are finally back home and as of yesterday afternoon I had my house all clean, laundry done and all my food storage organized in my back room. It's not very pretty but very functional. When I got home I asked dad why I couldn't feel like Idaho was home! It took me a day to adjust but I realized that my home is really where all of my kids are! And so I have come to the conclusion that where ever my family is when we are together, that is HOME! Don't get me wrong, I do love it here because dad is here so just for further knowledge that is my new definition. I had a marvelous time on my trip, I got to see Tate blessed with both of his grandpas in the circle. That was a great blessing! We take these things for granted when we are so close. We had a great time with Tims mom and dad. We really got to know them better and made some great friends. We had a great dinner and got to visit with Jake Taylor and his family and Lindsey and her family (Tanis' friend) It was a great time. Jake was telling us about all of his hunting. I didn't know he was such a hunter. I have promised some chili sauce for his deer meat! On Wednesday we went to the Amish community because dad wanted to see them. They were driving their horse and buggies all around. It was fun. I would say that it was one of dads kind of vacations where you just relax and enjoy. On Thursday we drove to Connecticut. We left at 5:30 am so that the kids would sleep a lot of the way. They did great however, I just want everyone to know that I ate breakfast at McDonalds! We got to Tylers at 1:30 maybe and Erica had to go to the Doctor to get an ultrasound. I had a feeling that someone should go with her so I went with her and Tanis and dad stayed to babysit. You all know the outcome, she had to go into surgery and Tyler picked up dad and brought him to the hospital so that they could give her a blessing. Tanis was left with all four kids! She did WELL! She put them all to bed! I was grateful that the Lord would let us be there to help! She did great. I paced the whole time but it worked out the best it could. But Tyler and dad bought me some food guess where? At McDonalds. Two times in one day!! Tim made it to their house even though it was his first time to the big city NEW YORK! Tanis and Tim got to go to NEW YORK on Saturday and enjoyed themselves. I had all my grandkids together at the same time for 6 whole days and I enjoyed every minute of it. Each one of them has their own personality and that is what makes them so special. I just wish all of you could have been there to see JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH. We got a blow by blow commentary from Hudson all through the movie and when the fish jumped out of the water he stood up and threw his hands on his face in terror! You know just another one of those good old nights watching movies together. However, Tyler had just recorded that great infamous move KRULL (remember that movie we have seen it about two times with the princess and the kingdom that keeps disappearing and moving to different places!) we started to watch it and everyone started balking so we didn't get to see it even though Tyler and I wanted to watch it. Maybe you could bring it home when you are here at Christmas, Tyler!
On Tuesday the girls went to New YORK shopping and the men went hiking and fishing with the kids. We tried on lots of clothes and everyone will be proud that I actually bought two purses, earrings and two scarves within 40 minutes in China Town. That is a record for me. Zara is our new favorite store. This was all made possible because of Tate. He was the best baby ever.
We enjoyed so much being with our family and those of you who couldn't be there, we missed you! It was great though to watch how you are raising and teaching my grandkids. You are great parents and are doing a great job. There is a lot of opposition in the world today and we must stay strong! We do this by doing the basics. Dad and I will attest, raising good kids is all about the basics. You must read the Book of Mormon, go to Church, say family prayers and ask him what you can do to strengthen your family. A one on one relationship with your kids is really important too. We are not always there but hopefully we can keep in touch enough to have our influence always felt. I still feel my mom and dads influence in my life and in your life and will forever. We love all of you and thank you for such a great time. We hope we didn't wear out our welcome.
Love, MOM
PS My birthday was the best birthday ever it went on for a whole month because every morning Hudson would say "Happy Birthday Grandma" and I would say "Thank you so much!"
and he would say "Your Welcome"
I also felt special everywhere we went because Porter always wanted me to sit by him so we had some good times in the back of the car. Even though I got spinal compression from all the bumps (Tanis will understand)
Not to mention our day that we played store in the house with the kids. We were trying to teach the concept of money, work, and tithing. I think it went over well. Porter got out of money fast, he was buying the big ticket items. However, after doing some work he made more money.
Also I didn't mention our dance shows. Hudson, Clair and I would take turns dancing and clapping for each other. It was great!
Dad even did a little dancing too in the Gazebo with Hudson!
I better end now!
Love you all!