Homecoming

Anticipation is a curious thing.  Sometimes when you wait so long for something, when it finally happens it often doesn't quite meet your expectations.  Well, that was so NOT the case this past week as we welcomed home Jace from Japan.  The last few weeks seemed to literally crawl by. . . we were so anxious to see him, his big happy smile, and just to get that "Jace hug" that can't be beat.  He definitely delivered!

Like many families of returning missionaries at the airports, we made quite a scene.  I think I let out a little yell, and there was lots of laughing and happy tears.  Being here in Spokane, this doesn't happen all that often, so there were some curious on-lookers.  One nice lady wanted the whole story, and we were most happy to oblige. 

After leaving the airport, we went to lunch.  Jace had said often that he missed Mexican food, so we went to Qdoba.  He dove right into that big burrito.  Yum!

After lunch we came home to "chill" for a bit.  He was so funny.  He walked around the house commenting on the little things that had changed and looking for things that he remembered.  He was amazed at his closet and all the clothes he owned.  He asked me why he had so many clothes and said that he was very spoiled.  We enjoyed the afternoon catching up and hearing about his last week in Japan. 

Later we met the Stake President at his office to be officially released.  That was a tender time.  Removing that black and white name tag for the last time brought tears not only to Jace but to all of us.  Afterwards we went to a Sushi restaurant for dinner.   Back at home after dinner Jace wanted to play a family game.  He has always loved family games, so we played Apples to Apples and I'm proud to announce that Stuart won both games!!  Now this is a big deal--Stuart NEVER beats Brittney in any games, and he was thrilled to be victorious.  Jace must have brought back some Japanese good luck.

On Saturday we went to the Spokane Temple.  The day before Jace left 2 years ago, we were all together as a family at the Mt. Timpanogos Temple when Camille received her endowments.  Being in a temple again as a family was wonderful!

Saturday night we had a barbecue.  Brent's parents were with us all week, and my parents and my brother Mark and his wife Traci and their boys drove all the way up here from Utah to see Jace.  We so appreciate everyone's support.  Sunday happened to be both Stuart and Mark's birthdays, so we had a celebration on Saturday night at the barbecue.

Sunday was a busy and awesome day.  It started at 6 am with Jace's report to the High Council.  He then spoke in the YSA Ward, and our ward a few hours later.  The other speaker was Elder Jon Rogers who was leaving on his mission for Brazil.  The Rogers are good friends and live just a few blocks away.  The meeting was wonderful and there were lots of people from our previous ward there to hear both Elders speak.  That evening we had an open house for them both in our yard.  We all had a great time visiting and catching up with so many friends.

Jace had mentioned that when he returned home he only had two things he wanted to do:  First, go to the temple, and second, go to the lake!  So, since we had visited the temple on Saturday, Monday was lake day.  We had a great time on the boat.  We've had a cool spring, so the water was still pretty chilly, but that didn't stop them.  Jace did awesome on the skis and didn't seem to miss a beat.  Brent, Stuart, Russ and Camille also braved the cool water.  Brittney and I were happy to be flag wavers and just enjoy the sunshine.  It was so fun to all be together again on the boat.  It was the perfect day!

Now that Jace is home, we are no longer missionary parents.  It is a little bittersweet and I'll remember fondly the wonderful weekly emails full of his experiences and counsel.  The best thing is that Jace is still the same, just better!  Having him around this past week has been great.  It's apparent that he's grown in so very many ways, but he's still the son we know.  I think we all were a little surprised at just how "unweird" he is!!  He says that as much as he LOVED LOVED LOVED his mission, he is looking ahead to the next phase of his life with excitement and anticipation (there goes that word again!!)   I have no doubt that whatever lies ahead for him will be just as good as these past two years, the "best" two years of a young man's life. 

Thanks for being a fabulous missionary McLaws Chorro

aka Elder McLaws

Seeyouloveyoubye!

(Jace signed all his letters that way)

WELCOME HOME!

STUART

Stuart Maxfield, Brittney's husband, celebrated his 28th birthday on Sunday, July 10th.  Even though it was a wonderful and crazy day, I couldn't forget to let the blogosphere know just how awesome he is.  Stuart has been a part of our family since January 2006.  He is immensely talented, kind, patient, loving, helpful, so very very funny, and humble almost to a fault.  He is wise and profound in many things, and his insights into humanity and this journey called life are amazing.  He is a tireless worker, passionate about his craft, a worthy priesthood holder, and most of all, a wonderful husband and son.  He has an incredible knack for knowing just when to be sober and serious, and when to bust it out. . . our family has never laughed harder or more than when Stu's around.  He brings levity, happiness and joy to our lives.

Check out the electrical tape wound around his head.   He wanted to wakeboard and actually see what he was doing, so he taped his glasses to his head so he wouldn't lose them.  He's already lost a pair of glasses to the lake in year's past.  What a loveable nerd. . . we were all laughing so hard.  Never a dull moment! 

If you don't know by now, Stuart is the front man and song writer for Fictionist, a band he formed several years ago.  Fictionist is going places. . . mark my words!  Good things are happening for them, and we couldn't be more proud.  Stuart plays many instruments in addition to the guitar and loves many types of music.  He's definitely not one-dimensional, even though Fictionist is more of a rock band.  I admit that it's kind of cool to say that my son in law is a rock star!  

As I've said before, when your daughters marry you hope and pray that they find someone perfect for them.  Stuart is perfect for Brittney--they are opposites in many ways, and it is wonderful to see how they balance each other out.  As great as he is, my favorite quality is his deep love, compassion, and unfailing loyalty to his wife.  He is gentle and tender hearted and takes care of her so well.   We are so grateful for him.

Happy Birthday Stuart!

We Love You!!

Renovation

We are DIYers. All of our married life we have eagerly tackled home repair and improvement projects.  In the early years it was a matter of financial necessity, but I quickly learned that it was also something that Brent really enjoyed.  If he didn't know how to build, fix, repair, or renovate something, that didn't stop him.  He would simply figure it out and tackle the project with gusto.  I have many stories (as usual) to tell about Mr. McGuyver/Tool Man McLaws here. 

I knew he was a fix-it guy when I married him because in our first apartment, he demanded a shelf in the linen closet for his tools!  Speaking of tools, I quickly caught on that one reason he enjoyed DIY projects so much was because if it required the purchase of another tool, that was OK--just part of the budget.  After 30 years, we have quite a collection of tools and gadgets, and a long list of projects we have completed.  We've done concrete work and driveways, roofs, exterior/interior drywall and painting, outdoor decks, finishing basements, sprinklers and yards, linoleum, tile work, and other things I'm sure I'm forgetting.  He would really love to build us a home from ground up someday.  Of course, he would just need to quit all his of other obligations, throw his phone/computer away,  and rob a bank to do so!  As talented as he is, he has yet to figure out how to invent time.

During the build out.  The plumbing and electrical were finished, and the walls for the shower were going in. 

The finished shower! 

 I wish I had taken a picture before we started this whole project.  The transformation is amazing.
 No more early '90's "cheapy builder grade" bathroom. 

We have finally finished our latest project--a renovation of our master bathroom.  Our home is 18 years old--just the age where things look dated and are needing repair, and remodeling is almost a necessity.  Last July 10th (I remember that date well for some reason) we began this project by removing the garden tub.  We are "shower people."  The tub was never used, so we decided to remove it and build a double walk in shower and extra closet where the old shower used to be.  Our target date for completion originally was before the holidays.  Well, needless to say, "life" happened and the project moved along slowly all through the summer and fall.  We hosted the full-time missionaries in our home for almost 2 months, and didn't feel like we could demolish our bathroom fully if there was only one other bathroom for us all to use at that time.  Brent did all the plumbing work, the electrical, the build out, etc.  This past winter his work projects at Datadot were particularly demanding, and I was getting a little impatient :) -- OK, maybe a lot!  The part I really hated was that I felt like we slept in a garage--our whole upstairs became storage for all the equipment and tools, and that's not even mentioning the dust!  Yew!   Anyway, Brent wisely decided to hire some help with the tiling of the shower, as that was something that really couldn't be done with an hour here and there.  That was so smart, as the tile guys took a whole week to finish, and he would have never had that much uninterrupted time.  Anyway, our new deadline was "sometime before Jace gets home."  Well, we made it!  The renovation was essentially done the first of June, but just a few days ago we finally got the custom shower door installed.  We are pleased. . . it looks beautiful. 

Now I'm ready for some good times and
some serious partying!!  
The family arrives next week and we are looking

forward to catching up with Jace.

 This year July 10th will be awesome!

The Gathering Place

We just returned from a quick trip to Utah.   We do manage to get down there quite often (especially me) as so many of our dear family and friends live there.  I was born a Utah girl, and it will always be a place we visit often--a gathering place.

Several weeks ago we were invited to an open house/family reunion by my brother Jerry.  This event honored his wife Lisa, who is valiantly fighting brain cancer.  A celebration was in order, not only to honor, support and sustain Lisa, but as a way for Jerry to thank all his neighbors, friends and ward members who have helped him care for her and his family these past 14 months.   It was a wonderful evening filled with hope and love.  Lisa is amazing!


This is a collage showing Jerry and Lisa's family through the years. 

I was able to see many people I haven't seen in a while--several cousins, aunts, and best of all, my little sister Allyson who came from Omaha, Nebraska for the weekend.  I sure wished we lived closer to one another.  She has a great husband and two darling little kids, Jonathan and Alyvia. 

Coincidentally, Brent's two sisters were in town for the weekend as well.  Tanya and John Figgat and their family came from Eugene, Oregon to meet their new granddaughter, Frankie Jane.  Here is the proud Mom, Megan Hammond and little Frankie.  She is only a week old. . . so tiny!

His other sister, Lisa Budge and her family were also here from California.  Lisa and James have 6 children--we affectionately call them "The Budge Tribe."  They were here for summer camps for their older kids.  They're a great family with lots of energy.  It's always a good time when they are around.  His Mom and Dad also made the trip for the weekend, although I didn't get them in a picture.  They were probably watching the little ones.  They are so good at that. 



James Budge, John Figgat and new grand baby, Megan Hammond, Brittney and Stuart, Me, Russ, Camille, and Lisa.  Who knows where Brent was--probably on the phone somewhere!

We also got lucky and on Saturday night were able to catch Stuart and Fictionist play at a neighborhood concert in Salt Lake.  I'm always amazed when I watch him on stage.  I have to pinch myself and say, "Wow, my son in law is a bona fide rock star!"  It's always a rush.



On Sunday, Father's Day, we spent the morning and early afternoon with our kids.  After church and dinner at Brittney and Stu's, we started home again.  Whew. . . only 2 1/2 days in Utah, but it was worth the 12 hour drive each way.  Now we began the trip back home. 


My two favorite women on earth.  You know you've grown up when you legitimately call your daughters "women!"

We only went to Idaho Falls on Sunday night, and when we got to our hotel room and looked out the window, we saw a beautiful sight.  The sun was setting and Brent was able to snap this great shot of the Idaho Falls Temple.  What an appropriate image to end our weekend.  Families truly are forever.




HAPPY BELATED FATHER'S DAY TO ALL THE

FATHERS AND FATHERS-TO-BE.

YOU ARE AWESOME!

P.S.  Guess what?  Only 16 more days until Jace gets home!!  We are getting just a little bit excited!

THE BIRTHDAY BOY

Brent at 10 years old.  Thank goodness he grew into his ears and teeth.

Today, June 12^th, is Brent’s birthday.  He’s 53—wow!  We celebrated his birthday last night because Sundays are his busiest day of the week.  There is no chance we would have time today as he is gone by 7 am and usually not finished until around 9 pm.

So, what to say about this guy?  There are stories galore, funny and endearing nonetheless, but without writing a lengthy novel, let me just say that he is amazing and wonderful.  Everyone that knows Brent likes him.  He is a “people person”—one who genuinely enjoys socializing and conversing.  I think he would make a great politician, because he has a knack for “working a room.”  He makes people feel important and relevant, and it is sincere.  When I met him, he actually had dated my roommate and several other girls from our ward.  When he asked me out, of course I accepted because, as previously stated, “Everyone likes Brent.”  I just assumed it was “my turn.”  Lucky me—seriously!  I do know how fortunate I am to have him as my husband and best friend.  He's a fabulous father, son and brother.  He is adored by many.  He's basically awesome!

Quite a handsome stud, uh?

Like most guys, it is almost impossible to buy him a gift.   We usually end up getting him the typical—shirt, DVD, CD, tie, socks, church book, etc.  Occasionally we come up with something clever, but not very often.  Also, he takes care of himself very well.  If he wants something, he usually gets it, and like he reminds his kids these days, he can do that “because he has a job!”  (See previous post and the dirt bike outfit. . . need I say more?)  The last few months he has spoken a few times about wanting a PC Tablet, but was conflicted.  You see, he has been very stubborn about his opinion of anything Apple (computers, not fruit).  He has refused to buy into their monopoly, and to date has not—not even an IPod.  Of course, as the months and years have gone by, it is getting harder not to admit that some of their products are cool.  He has grumbled that “The IPad is pretty sweet.  A couple of guys at church have them and I just might have to think about crossing over to the dark side.”

 

So, I get this crazy idea that maybe I will really surprise him for his birthday this year and beat him to the punch and buy him a Tablet/IPad before he buys it for himself!  First, it would be a total jump for me to buy anything techie without his knowledge, and secondly, I may do him a favor by saving him from his obstinate refusal to personally buy anything Apple—he technically could still say “he” has not.  So, I consult my family tech support (Russ) and he confirms that the Apple is really cool and probably the best out there, and if he doesn’t like it, he wouldn’t have any trouble selling it.  So I did it!!  I surprised him and bought him an IPad.

He isn’t a birthday cake kind of guy—he doesn’t care for frosting—so I made him a pie.  Pumpkin pie is his favorite, but he likes most kinds, so I tried to give him a hint by baking him an apple pie.  He didn’t get it.   It was so great to see his surprise when he opened his gifts—first a shirt, because it wouldn’t be his birthday without a new shirt (yawn), and secondly his IPad.  He looks pretty happy to me, wouldn’t you agree??

Happy Birthday Brenty Boy!

We love you! 

Couldn't resist. . . he was at his computer last night grumbling because now he has to register with Apple.
 "And so now it begins. . . I drank the Kool Aid!"



"Dork Vader?"

OK, sometimes my husband does/acts/says something that is just too good to pass up.  I stated when I started this blog that he probably would end up being the subject of many posts, and this was too funny not to document.

So we are organizing things (again) and down in the storage room, in my "sewing room" (not really--I have a corner--the rest is full of Brent's various possessions--like a wall of snowmobile helmets and boots, thousands of CD's, a computer graveyard, and who knows what else) there are several unidentified boxes.  I'm down sewing one night and he comes in and starts rummaging around.  Before I know it, he has pulled out these boxes, and guess what?  Inside is a whole dirt bike racer outfit!  I guess we own a little dirt bike that Brent has rode all of about 2 times, but as "aannyyoonnee" knows (catch the sarcasm) you can't really ride a dirt bike unless you have ALL the right equipment, right?  So he gets dressed up in his cute little outfit that probably costs more than the motorcycle did, and starts walking around the house!

I told him he looked like "Dork Vader."  I mean, come on, how cool can you be with gnarly looking boots and shirt, but with a blue tooth stuck to your head, your bifocals on, and clutching some nerdy electronic component!!  AND, he just so happened to be be watching "Dual Survivorship" with Cody and Dave traversing some tropical jungle, secretly wishing he could do that.  I didn't get a picture in the whole outfit, but he has a coat, gloves, and helmet too. . . but of course!  How silly of me! 

You know what girls? 
Big boys are just little boys who don't want to grow up!
They all will relate to this story somehow and have a
 "I wanna have a dirt bike rider (or whatever it may be) outfit."

So, the next time I feel guilty for wanting a cute pair of shoes or a few accessories for an outfit 

I will wear all the time,

 I'm going to fondly remember Brent as my lovable "Dork Vader"

 and just go ahead and buy them.  

P.S.  HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY! 

A Wicked Day

WICKED!

This week I saw the Broadway Musical "Wicked."  Wow!  What a wonderful production.  I had heard how great it was from so many people, so I was happy when it was slated to come to Spokane this month.  For a small city, Spokane has a pretty good Opera House and every year they have a "Best of Broadway" series.  We've had most of the big name shows up here, sooner or later :)

When I bought these tickets in February, I picked May 19th, a Thursday, carefully deciding that with our inevitable obligations on weekends with church responsibilities, it would probably work best.  Our anniversary was May 8th, so this was deemed our "big date" to celebrate.  Well, wouldn't you know it, but DataDot Australia just so happened to be in San Francisco, and wanted to see Brent this week on. . . you guessed it, Thursday, May 19th!!  If I could only tell you how many times this seems to happen, whether it is a long-planned vacation, or some other event that has been on the calender for FOREVER, Australia seems to pop into the picture.  It's almost funny. . . Brent usually is asked meet with the Australian guys like twice a year, really.   This just means that I will get to go again sometime with Brent.  It's all good.

So, with only a couple of days notice, I invited my good friend, Rayleen to join me for my anniversary date.  We know the Bonkemeyer's quite well, and she is well aware of Brent's crazy work life,  so she teased about how she would be a better date than him anyway.  It just so happened that her husband was out of town as well, so we enjoyed our girls day out.  We actually saw a matinee (which is another weird thing--I swear I bought night tickets--it's a good thing I actually looked at them a few days earlier so we didn't miss the whole thing!) and had a great time.  I loved the humor, the positive messages about acceptance and goodness.  It really is a clever adaptation of the Wizard of Oz and is basically a darling story about two friends who are BFF's forever, through thick and thin, no matter what.   It was fun to share for the first time with a good friend of mine!

HAPPY EVERYTHING DAY

This year MAY 8, 2011, is a HAPPY EVERYTHING DAY!!   It's a day which happens about every 7 years or so, because not only do I get to celebrate Mother's Day, but we also get to celebrate our wedding anniversary.  This is a day where I can reflect on the most important roles I am honored to have as a woman:  a daughter, a wife, and a mother.

A DAUGHTER  My mother is a wonderful Mom.  Growing up she did all of the things that good mothers should do--she took care of our daily needs, kept our home comfortable and clean, she fed our tummies so very well, and organized our family.  She has a friendly and kind personality, and is so well loved by all.  Her challenge in life has always been her health.  About 12 years ago she suffered a stroke, and many of the things she enjoys doing have become difficult.  If I had a magic wand, the very first thing I would do is take away her pain and discomfort.  Nonetheless, she bears her burdens with grace.  She's a great example to me of enduring well.  I love you Mom!



Mom and I just several weeks ago.

A WIFE:  Today Brent and I celebrate 30 years of wedded bliss.  Wow!!  That's sounds like a lot, doesn't it?  How can we be married that long--I swear we're not even that old.  I can honestly say that the best decision I have ever made was to say "Yes."  There's a bit of back story there--when Brent proposed to me (in Monroe Canyon listening to the Eagles sing "Hotel California" on an 8-track) the first thing I said when he asked "Will you marry me?" was "Well, I think I can."  I admit, in retrospect, that it was kind of a weak answer.  After a few days, however, I was happy as can be and totally committed.  I was kind of freaking out over that whole 'for time and all eternity' concept.  Just so you know, several months into our engagement Brent had his own freak-out moment too.  Obviously we got beyond that as well, and on a beautiful breezy May Friday in Manti, Utah, we were sealed in the temple. 

I am so grateful to him for being my best friend, the best husband, and the best Dad.  He's a pretty amazing guy.  Sometimes I feel like I'm married to a celebrity or something.  People just love him, and I can understand why.  I'm so lucky to be his wife--Happy Anniversary Sweetheart.



We haven't changed a bit, right?

A MOTHER:  I've been known to publicly exclaim that my children are the very best children ever to have come to earth.  I have often pondered the eternal plan, and how we have all known each other for forever--truly.  Sometimes I think that Brittney, or Camille, or even Jace (although he can't really because he is not female) should have been the Mother, for they have taught me so much and are great examples of many of the qualities I admire.  Having babies and young ones is a lot of work and also a lot of joy.  Having young adult children is cool because now it isn't so much work, just a whole bunch of joy!  My children are my equals, my friends, my peers.  I thoroughly enjoy spending time with them (and their spouses--a great bonus when your children marry) and observing and vicariously sharing with them many of the same experiences we had years ago.  At this time in my life, motherhood is all so good.  I have joy and rejoicing in my posterity.



A weekend vacation in Las Vegas in February 2009. 

  

June 16, 2009--The day before Jace entered the MTC.



 I'm so grateful to be a daughter, a wife and a mother. 

 I also must say how grateful I am for modern technology which allowed me to talk to my Mom

and all 3 of my children today.  It really is amazing that I could speak with

Camille in Texas, Jace in Japan, and Brittney and my Mom in Utah all within seconds! 

 How awesome is that??

 I must say as well that we are fortunate to have a fabulous extended family,

and many dear friends and neighbors who are "the family we get to choose." 

Thanks to you all for making May 8, 2011 so lovely!



My Dad

Today is my father's 79th Birthday.  James K. Forsey was born on May 2, 1932 in Richfield, Utah, the only son of James G. and Lillian Kyhl Forsey.  He has 3 sweet sisters, all of whom still live in Utah.  He is funny, clever and loves to tease.  He tells such great stories about his escapades, adventures, and experiences while growing up.  He is a good friend and a true fan.  He is kind to everyone--strangers and family alike.  He still works part time and enjoys golf, fishing, sports, and just visiting.  He has done a commendable job taking care of Mom the last 10 years or so and is a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather and is so proud of his grandchildren. 

I just love these pictures of him as a youngster--what a good looking guy!  It's obvious that I'm my father's daughter. . . I look a whole lot like the Forsey's.  I'm proud to have that as my legacy.  

Growing older is a funny thing--we may physically change and lose our youthful good looks, but as we do so we gain experience, wisdom, insight and knowledge.   Dad has always been a great example to me and I appreciate so many of his qualities.


HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD

I hope you have a wonderful day and that you know

how much we all love you!





All In The Family

Last week I was able to travel down once again to Utah.  Since Camille and Russ are moving there soon, she was in town to search for a home.  Brittney was "husbandless" as Stuart happened to be in New York because Fictionist made it to the final four of the Rolling Stone Cover Contest!  So exciting!  Good things are happening for them.  Brent also was slammed with a work project and his life in general, so I decided it was a great opportunity for some girl time.

We officially celebrated Camille's birthday with a cake, a song, and a few presents.  Her father-in-law made her this birthday cake. . . seriously!  That is so awesome. 

On Friday it was BYU Graduation, and two of my nieces graduated this year--Shayla Forsey and Megan McWhorter.  It's been great to share these events with our extended family--so far both Brittney and Camille shared their graduation with a Forsey cousin.  By way of introduction, starting on the left next to me is my sister-in-law Kristi (married to Craig), Lynette (who is Shayla's best friend), Shayla, Kara, Brittney, Camille, Megan, and McKayla.  Melissa happened to be out when we snapped that picture, so I took one of her alone.  She has recently been called to serve a mission in Warsaw, Poland!  She'll be a wonderful missionary. (BTW, Megan, Mellisa and McKayla are Jerry and Lisa's daughters).

It isn't too often that all of my brothers are together in the same room.  This shot caught them a bit off guard, but it was so good to see all of them.  After our evening celebrating with the Forsey's, we got to see Brent's sister and brother-in-law, Tanya and John Figgat and their family on Saturday.  We had a fun time playing Mafia. . . those Figgats are so good at that game!   In order is Brittney, Jessica, Ashley, Mitch (and his "friend" Katie!), Sydney, Russ and Camille.  The Figgats live in Eugene, Oregon, but their older kids are attending Utah State.  This was taken in Megan and Eric Hammond's home in American Fork.  Unfortunately, I didn't get them or her parents in a picture. . . lame.

On Easter Sunday we had dinner at Brittney and Stu's.  Stuart had just returned home from New York that afternoon.  He was pretty excited at how well everything had gone.  After dinner he suggested we go for a walk and throw frisbees.  Five minutes later he was snoring on the couch!  All he had to do was sit down for a few minutes and his body relaxed enough to demand some sleep. . . he had only slept 45 minutes the night before.  Those musicians go until they literally drop.  The girl's had bought the guys the same yellow shirt for Easter. . . don't they look handsome?

I have been down to Utah quite a bit this year. . . every few months or so.  Jace is a bit worried that I won't visit nearly as much when he gets home, but I'm confidant that I'll continue to go down often, especially since all of the kids will be in the same general area.  I'm so grateful I'm able to do that because like they say, "family is all that matters."  Amen to that.