June 29, 2011: Kael's Prayers

Hi Sweetie,

Kael insists on saying his own prayers at night now. It is really quite something.
So for documentation purposes here is my version of Kael's prayer tonight. At least, this is what I think he said and meant.

Heavenly Father,
Thankful for Daddy's. Thankful for Daddy's, thankful for Daddy's, thankful for Daddy's. Airplane, cool airplane! Frog, Eden, Daddy, thankful for Daddy's. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus.
Amen.

Yup, except exaggerate that by about 50 more times each. And make Heavenly Father sound like Fathderrrrrrrrr. I'm pretty for certain the frog got thrown in there because we were reading his Book of Mormon Stories book, and it had a lizard on just about every page that he called a frog. He loved that little green thing.

Also, today he thought a piece of gross stuff off of a tree was a worm. He calls worms snails, and he LOVES bugs. It is pretty ridiculous, and I love that he loves that stuff.

Love you,
Sharice

PS: Enjoy his bed head from today. Eden's was similar, just not quite as big.

June 28, 2011

Derek,

It has been hard not being able to talk to you since Sunday morning. It's amazing how something as simple as a text message can get me through the day, or a phone call is even better. I have some great news! I had Kael's final meeting with the school district this morning to see if he qualifies for preschool for his speech.
He didn't qualify!
What?!
I know.
Our little boy is in the normal ranges! He is finally speaking where a 2 year old should be. He is on the very bottom low of the normal, but he is normal. They gave me many things to watch for and if he doesn't improve in certain areas they said to bring him back to test him and see if he needs extra work. I'm just so glad that he is finally caught up. I'm glad that I get to keep him with me a little while longer.

So, back to text messages. I thought I'd post the last couple of messages I wrote to you that you won't get because you are gone away on this weird survival campout.
So, here ya go.

June 26, 2011 (11:06 PM)
"Hi love. I know you won't get this, but it will keep me sane writing to you and pretending you are getting these. I miss you. I worked on primary tonight. I got a great start. I am loving it. I have some ideas for my sharing time. The kids were up late again tonight. Ugh. Eden didn't get up from her nap until 5:30 pm... She was exhausted. She has only been having one nap a day because she sleeps in so late from when we flew home... Kael prayed for you again tonight. It was the only thing he said about 50 times before I helped him. Eden sure loved talking to you on the phone. She is talking a lot now. We miss you. Hang in there. Mwah! Good night love."

June 27, 2011 (2:42 AM)
"Oh man. Our boy cracks me up. Here it is 3 in the morning and he cries out for Mom. As I'm getting him water he comes running out of his room and yells Mom, wet! Potty! He officially hates peeing his diaper, which woke him up I think. So, we go potty. I got him Buzz Lightyear PJs at a garage sale that he wanted to wear tonight. After Kael peed I got him a NEW diaper to which he responds "WOW, all better!". Then, he points to his pjs then grabs my cheeks and says, WOW BUZZ LIGHTYEAR! WOW MOM! and I just laugh and say, yup buzz lightyear. Then, he got his water and went to bed. He went to bed a super happy kid.

June 27, 2011 (9:15 AM)
Our boy poops in the toilet!
How amazing is that?!

June 27, 2011 (11:16 PM)
I'm lonely tonight. I've slept on your side of the bed every night. I feel closer to you that way. I hate not being able to text you. I hate not hearing your voice. I'm sorry I said hate, but I do feel very strongly about this. Be safe. I need you home soon. Kael prayed for you again. He also prayed for his cool airplane. He isn't going to forget. I don't even have to remind the kid. I love you Derek. So much!

I love you Derek! You're amazing!
Love,
Your wife

June 26, 2011 Grandpa Heaton's 89th Birthday

Happy 89th Birthday Grandpa Heaton!

Volma Heaton, Eden, Kael

Derek,

I feel so blessed that we live in Salt Lake City. I have never gotten to know my Dad's family as well as I would have liked growing up and I am now given this opportunity. I have always loved visiting them as a child, spending summers at houses, family reunions, camp outs, and visiting Grandpa's house.

Today is my Grandpa's 89th birthday. He has lived a pretty amazing life so far. I am so glad the kids and I were able to attend his birthday party at his house yesterday with the kids. It has been so long since I  have been to his house. As we were driving the road to get to his house memories came flooding back to me. I could remember a specific bridge, riding a horse down a specific road, and just seeing his house again was so familiar. I was very nostalgic. I loved seeing all the familiar faces. It was awesome. I think I must have had a lot of social anxiety as a kid or was just plain afraid of people. I remember always feeling a little uncomfortable at these kind of social gatherings. However, I had no sense of fear as I came to my family. I think everything intimidated me as a child. Anyway, I can't even describe the feeling of welcome and love and the sense of belonging to my family. I hadn't seen so many of these people in so long, yet it was like we just picked up from where we started. I think that will be a little like when we return home after this life to live with Heavenly Father. It will be a lot like seeing my Grandpa after a really long time.

While we were there my Grandpa bore his testimony. It was really quite wonderful. I can't remember ever hearing my Grandpa bear his testimony. I was talking to my Mom and she said the times he did at certain events, I was probably too little to remember. For this reason alone I am glad I went.

My Grandpa talked a little of his life. He is the last of his siblings alive. He talked about his High Priest group and how they were trying to find out who was a High Priest the longest, and that he had that title in his ward. He was made a High Priest at a young age in life. He talked about the importance of the Priesthood, and how it can do wonderful things. He said when he was called to the High Priesthood he went to his Grandmother's house to tell her, and how she was so excited and happy she was able to see one more High Priest in her family. He said he was ordained in 1951. (That was the year my Dad was born. My Dad is turning 60 this year.) He talked about his mission when he was young. He served in Texas, and he didn't baptize one convert. He said that it was hard, and then he talked about his Patriarchal Blessing. He then told us all that he recently went in to have his pace maker removed and to place a new one. You see my Grandpa is a farmer. He has worked so hard every day of his life, and he continues to do so. He has animals to care for and he has his garden he works on every day even at 89. The doctors told him usually when someone gets a pace maker they lead very inactive lives. He had used his to the point of exhausting it. He told us he felt like he was not going to live through this surgery. He then told us that he prayed to Heavenly Father that if he was worthy he would let him have a little extra time here on earth to be with his family. He told us the Priesthood is powerful and it can save lives, heal, and do many miraculous things. My Uncle went on later to tell us that he died on the operating table. The doctors had to bring him back to life. This was an answer to his prayers. My Grandpa has a little longer to be with us. He told us he loves all of us, and wants to see us and continue to see more of the little ones join his family. I'm grateful I was able to see him. To hear his testimony. To know a little more of him through his words. My Grandpa also talked of the importance of family and the church. To teach our families about the church, so share our testimonies, and to be strong in the church.

I love my Grandpa so much and I am grateful for this experience. I wish you could have been there with us.

I hope we get to see our posterity like my Grandpa. How amazing would that be?

I'll be seeing you at 89, OK!?!

Love you,

Sharice

June 25, 2011

Hi Love,

You know that phrase from "The Wizard of Oz"? You know... "There's no place like home."

It's true.

However, home just won't be home without you. It is so nice to be back in my own bed. Kael and Eden are sleeping better in their own beds. In their own rooms. Eating in their own chairs.

You know how when you leave your house for a trip and you come home and there is that weird smell that you get a big wuff of when you walk in the door for the first time? No, it isn't a poopy diaper left out to rot for 2 1/2 weeks. It's just that stale ugh smell... Yup, I really liked that smell. It was nice to be home. It's gone now. Probably for the best. I've been working on getting that smell to go away. You know lighting candles and such. I don't miss that smell. I want you to not get that smell. I want you to get a smell of kids freshly bathed, food freshly cooked, and a bed made that smells just right. The smell of life going on and how wonderful it will be to walk into that. To be a part of home. To pick up right where life left off. To just keep going. 

The count down is on. 6 more days. You can make it! I'm so proud of you! We are here and we are waiting patiently. We can make it 6 more days, and I know you can too!

I LOVE YOU!

Love Forever and Always,

Your patient wife today

PS: Headed to my grandpa Heaton's 89th birthday party. I'm excited to see all my extended family. It has been too long, and it should be a fun party.

June 23rd: The Trip Home

Derek and the rest of the world,

Pros and Cons:
So, I've decided that this was the worst travel experience of my life! The kids were troopers through it all, and I am so proud of them even though they drove me NUTS!
Recap:
Got to airport at 2ish. Flight was suppose to leave at 4:10, was delayed to boarding until 5:15. Flight left at about 5:30. I had an hour lay over in Denver. Flight was already 1 hr and 5 min late... I checked all my luggage so I didn't have to worry about any of it. All I have is a backpack and the stroller, oh and my 2 kids.
So we waited and waited and waited. Kael kept throwing these huge tantrums and I'd pull out a new toy or a new treat, but the kid was just having a hard time. Kael and Eden ran all over the airport. It was so hard not knowing how long until we could board and what to do with the kids. I had 4 different people help with the kids. One amazing woman picked Kael up as he was having a huge tantrum and said, "Can I hold you?" Kael sat on her lap for a good 15 minutes and just laid his head on her. Then she played with him and put up with his business as she was on the phone. Another Mom who had about a 4 month old baby let Kael and Eden play with her baby toys and a blanket. "I had toys and blankets mind you"... She was so sweet and watched my stroller and stuff while I chased the kids. Another Dad offered to let Kael watch movies on his iphone. The two of them had everyone grinning by the time we were to board. No one complained once about them having a tantrum or me going crazy because of them.
I gate check my stroller to meet me in Denver, and when the lady asked me about it she said, "what is your final destination?", to which I replied, "Salt Lake City, but I'll need it at my lay over." So, she checked the stroller and off we went. The flight attendant told us that the SLC flight was delayed so we should have time to get there. For once in my life I was one of the first people off the plane. We went to get the stroller and it wasn't there. None of the strollers that were checked were there. Come on people this is probably the first thing to bring out. These people are gonna need all the help they can get. So I have a crazy Kael wanting to run away and a crying Eden in my arms and wait until everyone is off the plane for them to go check a 3rd time and tell me that my stroller isn't there and it probably got shipped to my final destination. I'm sitting there about to cry, and decide I need to go now or I won't make my flight. I get out of the terminal and not 2 second later I hear my name over the intercom saying they are looking for me for my flight. They told us our flight should be close because we were in the A terminal where we got off. Hello! They should know better. For the majority of the people out there, the Denver airport is HUGE! I grabbed Kael and Eden and our backpacks and start running to which I of course drop Kael and this nice family sees me and the Dad says, "wait where are you going?" I said, "I heard my name on the intercom and I'm going to miss my flight." He gives his kids to his wife, mind you they had 3, and he grabs Kael and we RUN across the ENTIRE Denver airport. Not kidding it seemed like a mile. We had to go down an elevator and keep running. We get there as the doors are shutting and I told them who I was and asked if I made it. She told me no of course. This awesome Dad stepped up and told them you have to get her on this flight! I started to ball my eyes out not knowing what I was going to do with my 2 kids, no stroller, and stuck in Denver. The lady told me they had another flight at 9:30 and she might be able to get me on that. The guy was still telling them to get me on the plane and holding Kael the whole time.
I relieved the Dad so he could get back to his family. I couldn't even call people to let them know yet because I knew I would just lose it completely. I had tears just rolling down and trying to hold both of my kids without a stroller was impossible. As I was holding Kael he saw my tears and kept saying " hurt mom? hurt?", then he would proceed to kiss my chin and say, "all better". He did this about 5 times.
I got my new tickets and headed to my new gate. It was so hard because Kael was so energetic, yet so whiney because he was tired. The poor kids were going crazy and were hungry because of dinner time. Oh and did I mention both kids pooped on the plane from Ohio to Denver? No? Oh they did, and Kael did it twice, so Kael was in a smelly diaper this entire time.
After more melt downs, changing poop, an attendant trying to find my stroller and failing, McDonalds, which the kids didn't eat, and a lot of running up and down the walk ways that move, we kind of got situated for the 2 and a half hour lay over. A nice family from Costa Rica took on Kael this time and showed him dinosaurs on their computer. My arms were killing me by this point from picking up the kids a thousand times. I then had to change Eden's poop (YES, my kids poop A LOT) a nice lady who worked at the airport offered to watch Kael so I could change Eden and have a spare second for myself as well. I came out after about 8 minutes and the poor lady was running chasing Kael. It was too funny!
I had about 2 or 3 other people help me get on the flight once it was boarded and EVERYONE let me cut in line to go first after Kael ran into the terminal before I could catch him. Once boarded the kids screamed and screamed. Mind you at this point it was like 11:30 eastern time which they were used to. A nice man loading onto the plane saw my children screaming. He handed Kael an orange and for some reason that did the trick. Kael calmed right down, and loved holding that orange. Eden saw that Kael was calm and finally fell asleep. No one said anything mean or gave me bad nasty looks the entire trip. Most of the people offered to help and said that everyone has been in this position before. No one looked at me like I couldn't control my kids, or like I was a bad Mom because they were running around an airport.
My friend from the village, Lindsay came and drove me home. Helped me with my bags, helped me with my children, and she is like 36 weeks pregnant, and by the time I got to Utah it was like 10:30.
Everyone was KIND. People were genuine. People loved me. People LOVED my children. They cared for them. They cared for me.
As terrible as this traveling time was, I don't think I would ever go back and change it. For one thing, my arm muscles are going to be freaking amazing strong! Second, I have never seen so many strangers become friends instantly. I have never seen strangers love so kindly, offer so much service, and put on a happy face when it is hard. I am grateful to know that there is so much good in this scary world. People still love. People still care. For that. I am grateful for this experience.

To all the MANY MANY MANY people who have helped me while Derek is away, THANK YOU! I love you all so much, stranger or not, and I am GRATEFUL!

Thank you to my heros,
Sharice

June 18, 2011 Beware: Could Get Mooshy

Derek,

I can't believe I don't have any pictures from today. It doesn't even matter though because that isn't on my mind. I don't know how to describe today. Miserable, lonely, a stab to my existence? Maybe it was from the lack of sleep last night with Kael getting out of bed and coming trying to lay by me all night long, or his hot sweaty body kicking and turning, or maybe it was his sea horse blaring loud melodious music in my ears at 3 am? Whatever it was today started out frustrating. I wouldn't call today a bad day. Maybe long? Maybe frustrating.

My point is, I missed you like crazy. I miss the way you smell. I miss your deodorant. I miss your cologne. I miss that hissing sound you make when you clean your teeth. I miss your breath. I miss leaning my ear against your chest and hearing and feeling your heart beat. I miss being too hot and svweaty to snuggle on the couch and putting a blanket between us just so we can be close while watching a movie. I miss being able to tell you "I love you" a thousand times a day and not even really realizing how often I say it out of habit, but that each and every time I mean it so truly and so deeply. I miss the way my heart skips a beat when you kiss me after a long day of school, kids, and life. The way you take my breath away. I miss your lips. Mmmmm Mmmmm Mmmmm. The way your lips taste and smell. Can lips smell? I believe so. Your lips are perfect! I miss trying to give you a peck on the lips while you are trying to rush out the door with food in your mouth and only getting to peck your perfect cheek. It's rough scratchy, yet somehow soft at the same time, perfectness. I miss seeing you walk in the door after a long day at school and seeing your eyes brighten when you hear Kael and Eden crying out to you. I miss going shopping with you and having you pinch my bottom and me thinking it is a complete stranger, then realizing you just needed to pinch my bottom. wink wink. I love the way you smile after you accomplish pinching my bottom or teasing me just to perfection. I love the way you smile when you tell me you love me. I love the way you get little tiny wrinkles by your eyes when you smile really big. I love staring at your perfect blue eyes and wondering how they got their perfection and hoping our kids eyes are just like yours.

While you are away, I love staring at our children and seeing you. Seeing all the good in them. I see you. You are so perfect for me. You complete me and I am not whole without you. I know this time will be short compared to most things and especially eternity, however, it seems like eternity to me right now at this moment. I love you. I love being with you. Please don't forget how much I love you, how much you mean to me, how proud of you I am, how grateful I am for your support and love, and for being there for me.

I can't wait to see your smile again. Hurry home because I don't know how much longer I can last without you in my arms, or being held in yours.

Love,
Waiting not so patiently

June 17th

Hi Sweetie.

Today was so fun. We went to this air force museum for the Wright Brothers. It was fun to get out with the kids and see something new and fun. Then the kids were able to go swimming tonight too. I had a little photo shoot with Kael today. I'm having a lot of fun with Shell's new camera. I'm kind of obsessed. I can't stop taking pictures and that is why the blog is full of them. I just want you to see all that the kids are doing while you are away. I'm not great at taking pictures, but it sure is fun. I hope you enjoy our day. I know I did. I am missing you like crazy. I'm looking forward to when you can help put the kids to bed so I don't feel like such the mean Mom every night and you can take that job again.

I love you!

Your patient wife.

 All 5 kids at the museum.

 Kael's parachute.

 Eden's parachute.

 I thought this was a fun quote.

 I liked this one too.

 They had airplanes like this hanging on the ceilings.

 This is Kael's photo shoot pictures. It is so hard to choose just one that I like.

You have to admit that this kid is pretty cute. I wish I was better at taking photos, but I loved being able to get this boys cute face on camera.

Seriously So Blessed: June 15th & 16th Oh and My Birfday!

Derek,

Oh man oh man. It has been another couple of crazy days. I don't think that I will let a day go by while you are gone that isn't crazy. It is the only way to stay sane, you know, to be kinda crazy. It is working for me. Holy Moly Guacamole, I am so in love with our kids. They are driving me crazy, but I can't help but love them so much. They are so busy and so just thrown off, yet they are resilient and determined and are so full of love. I have no idea how to get Kael to sleep at night. The kid does not want to miss a thing in this life. As much as I have thought he has the energy to never miss anything I think it is wearing on the kid. I'm so proud of them. Last night Shell and I were able to go to the temple in Columbus Ohio. It was amazing. It was beautiful and safe. I hope we can go to as many temples as possible wherever we end up in life. It made me realize how much work there is to do in this life. I left with a greater resolve to do family history. Brian had several names that needed work done and I was able to help participate in getting their work done. It made me grateful for the people who volunteer their time at the temple as regular workers. They are so important and needed. I am just in amazement at the amount of work to be done here on earth. There are so many people living and deceased who need to hear about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I need to be more devoted to this work and I am starting now.

My birthday has been simply wonderful. I have felt the love of those around me from our family and friends. This day has truly been fabulous and it wouldn't have been without the people who love me. I am so grateful to all of the people who support me. I love you Derek with all my heart. Thank you for the beautiful flowers. Thank you for letting me come see Shelly and her family to help support me. I feel so loved. I know that my Heavenly Father has been helping me through this, and by his angels here on earth taking care of me and Kael and Eden and most importantly you. I'm so grateful we can do this. As difficult as this trial has been for us, I feel like I am a stronger person. I thought going to the Philippines when I was 16 was hard, and that if I could get through that I could get through anything. I had no idea how difficult it would be to be away from the man I love for 6 weeks. I feel like that was so simple and easy compared to this. I know I will grow from this experience and I am grateful for the growth. Thank you for giving this to me. As for another birthday passed, I feel the same, but I feel more grateful and blessed. I feel that each and every year is a blessing and I love remembering all the wonderful memories we are making together. I am so grateful for our two beautiful children. My family is everything to me. You 3 complete my life. I miss you Derek. I love you! Thank you for this beautiful, fabulous day today. I can't wait to see you! Stay safe. I'm always thinking of you.

Love you forever,

Sharice

June 15, 2011

 Sharice in front of the Columbus, Ohio temple.

 Classic lean back and take of photo of yourself.

Sharice and Shellianne

Columbus, Ohio Temple

I can't forget to mention that we got lost on the way home and our 1.5 hr drive took 2.5 hrs... We had fun getting stuck behind 100 semi trucks and got home after midnight. It was so worth it though!

 Kael trying to fix bikes.

 Kael loves riding this pink bike they got Megan at a garage sale. It is actually quite a perfect size for him.

 Jeffrey and Aunt Sharice. We are buddies.

 Kael fell off his bike and needed a hug from Mom. The kid is getting heavy...

 Kael absolutely loves riding bikes into each other. The boys love it, but I fear we will have problems when we get back to the village.

 Classic Shellianne taking a picture of Sharice when she isn't ready... Nice.

 The weather was perfect for a photo op and we had all the kids dressed in fun bright colors. We got bubbles and thought that might help them, but nope it didn't. Poor Eden got bonked and bit her lip pretty bad where it bled. So, we had popsicles instead. They were a hit.

 I do happen to think I got a fairly cute picture of Kael though. He is so busy and has a hard time holding still for a picture lately. He used to love to pose, but now he can't miss anything!

 Eden eating her popsicle after she bit her lip.

 Mom and Eden. She needed lots of love.

 But she loved her popsicle.

 She was too sad to smile though.

 All 5 kids lined up after our futile attempt at cute photos. Reminded me and Shell of lining up outside of Grandma Sapp's house as a kids and taking photos.

 Eden, Kael, Jeffrey, Ben, and Megan.

June 16, 2011

 Aunt Shelly and kids at the Discovery Gardens. This place is awesome! Best part. Free. It is so beautiful and green and teaches the kids about plants. We are headed back tomorrow with packed lunches and swimsuits because they have an awesome water area.

 Aunt Shell and Eden at the gardens.

 Eden being cute as can be.

 Another cute one of Eden.

 Kael playing in some sand at the gardens.

 Kael's super cute face.

 All 5 kids in this super cute little house at the gardens.

 

 There were too many pictures of Kael and Eden in this adorable little house that made it hard to pick only a few. I have a gazillion of Eden eating raisins. She was so cute in the little chairs. I really wanted Kael to poke his head out of the window, but he really doesn't pose at all and I'm lucky to get the photos I do get. This really was such a fun way to spend my birthday. The kids had fun, and that means Mom has fun! We brought home McDonals for lunch and then the kids napped. The kids slept so good. Relief. I actually got a nap. I was awakened by a knock on the door. I thought maybe Kael got up, but Shell said it was a package for me. I immediately awoke from my dream state and ran to the door. I opened the package to find these beauties.

 Don't mind my face, I was reading how to keep them alive. I was really jumping up and down and hugging Shellianne. I got beautiful flowers from the love of my life and an amazing love note. What could be better than that?! Oh man. I was so happy! I didn't know if I would get to hear from Derek today or not and then to get this! He truely is the best husband a girl could ask for! I am so lucky he is mine!!! I LOVE YOU DEREK! THANK YOU!

 My beautiful flowers! He knows me well. I love love love fresh flowers. The way they smell. The way they make the room a little brighter. The way the light up my life like my husband does. I feel a little closer to Derek today. I love you!

 My love note. He kinda loves me. A lot!

 My birthday cake. The S is because I'm super woman turns out. I thought it just standed for Sharice. I was so wrong. ;)

 The boys all helped me to blow them out. We then repeated several times. It was fun and Kael is really getting good at it. It made me excited for his birthday in August!

 Megan and Kael decided they needed to stick their hands in the cake... So, Shell decided she needed to stick her hand in too, and well you can see what happened. It was the best cake fight ever! Go to Shell's blog here for a detailed video of the cake fight. It was AMAZING! Everyone was coming after me as it was my birthday and I had to defend myself. I've never really been in a food fight before. I can see why people do it. It was super fun!

 Us sisters fight hard. I can't tell who won this one though. Maybe Eden?!

Nope. I got Shell GOOD! ;)