725 DAYS!

The Evenson Siblings

So, we have only 725 days left. i'm really kidding. Well, not kidding about how many days that he has left but that I'm really counting down. Well, I am counting down but I promise I won't be obnoxious about it.

Anyway, all of those first pictures were the day of the farewell. Brooke was a little bored waiting for Ty to get off the phone. There were many more Hilarious Bored Brooke pictures but she would get mad if I posted them. The farewell was amazing. So many friends and family came out to support Ty and our family. We had plenty of soup to go around thanks to our friends and family that brought soups and desserts and appetizers. The amount of people in our home was probably the most it's ever had but it held up well. I think I heard the walls breath a sigh of relief that night.

The last picture is last Wednesday dropping him off at the MTC. Quite the experience it was. The day before Ty and I went to the Salt Lake Temple for him to go through a session there. That was a great experience for both of us. That temple's architecture is amazing. The walls in each of the rooms are rounded and the furniture, carpets, lighting accessories are all so beautiful and "antiquish" for lack of a better word. After the temple we went to lunch at Janbo, Ty's favorite Chinese restaurant. While there he pulled out his wallet and showed me all of the fortunes that he has saved from his lunches there. One he received in March said "In your travels to the South, you will receive much happiness." This was well before his mission call. maybe there is something to those fortune cookies. Then that night he was set apart in our stake presidents office which will go down as one of my favorite memories.

Wednesday morning we were able to just "hang out" at home because he was all packed and ready. Finally, the kids all came home from a morning of school and work and we took off to Zupas for lunch then headed to Provo and the MTC. Once we arrived at the MTC, there were so many Host Missionaries guiding us to where we needed to take him. They aren't kidding when they say that they give you no time to say goodbye there and that your goodbyes need to be done by the time you get there. We were guided to spot number 22 of 24. We pulled up, they sucked Tyler out of the car, sucked his luggage out of the car, and before I knew it we were all saying goodbye. Then one of the Host Missionaries said to me, "Where are you guys from?" At the time I didn't realize this was a distraction tactic. I said, "Draper", and he said, 'Oh Elder Christensen is from Draper. See, he's down there." I turned and looked at Elder Christensen and no sooner did I turn back and Ty was gone! That fast! I had no idea which direction he went and whether or not everyone was able to give him hugs goodbye. They don't even give you a chance to cry or wave as they are walking away in the sunset. Okay, that's a little dramatic but you get the idea. So, finally we piled back in our car and as we are driving down the street a bit I looked down at the middle console and there are all of Ty's important papers: Immunizations, Criminal background check, driving record, 4 generation pedigree chart. "Aaagh! Rick! Call Ty and tell him we forgot to give him all of this!" Can't call Ty. So we turned around, we back to the MTC, back to being guided and went to the administration building. I was really checking around everywhere to see if I could spot my son. Unfortunately no. Rick even went to the bathroom hoping to get a glimpse of him to no avail.

However, we are all doing quite well. We miss him something fierce but can't imagine anywhere I would rather have him than serving the Lord and sharing the best message there is out there.

We are proud of our missionary.

Gwendolyn Riedel Hughes

Two years ago, December 30, 2007, my sweet mom, Gwendolyn Riedel Hughes, passed through the veil and into the arms of our Heavenly Father and her earthly father, William Riedel. (Mom always wanted a middle name but wasn't given one at birth. Sometimes she would make one up for herself. Her favorite was Gwendolyn Marie). I am sure the reunion has been and continues to be a blast! She had a great laugh and was always ready for an adventure (when she felt well). However, being her only daughter, I continue to miss her deeply. I think that the emptiness gets more profound with each passing event.

I have thought a lot lately, as this date has approached, about the things that I most remember mom teaching me. I am grateful for her life lessons.

She taught me to believe in myself. When I was in 7th grade I decided that I wanted to try out for cheerleader. I had absolutely no coordination and had never had a tumbling or dance class. I don't even have a voice that can yell. None of that mattered though. Mom encouraged me all the way through the humiliating try outs and when I was not picked (obviously), there was a darling arrangement of yellow carnations and white roses in my room with a poster stating "YOU'RE STILL NUMBER 1 TO ME!". This was the beginning of many times mom reminded me of my value with that little statement. It never mattered the outcome, regardless of the competition, I always knew I was number 1.

She taught me to work hard. Mom's life was filled with illness and surgeries. Regardless of how she felt, she would always work hard to provide the best for her family. After working all day she would come home and make incredible meals for us every night. Most nights dinner was at 9:00-10:00 but it was important for her to make us full course dinners every night. She was an amazing cook.

She taught me to be organized and clean and use my time wisely. Cleanliness and organization was not an option. I always knew what was expected of me when it came to how my room was to be kept, including when I was a teenager. Needless to say, I didn't lose a lot of things because mom always said that everything has a place and if you are the one to put it in that place, then you should know where to find it. I am so grateful now for the gift of organization and time management.

She taught me to be generous. Mom was always giving gifts to everyone she knew needed something. If a neighbor had a baby, they were showered with an abundance of gifts. She was known for giving all of her nieces and grandchildren pajamas for Christmas. Something they all miss. I remember one time in particular, Rick was a home teacher for a family who were struggling. We decided that we would buy some groceries and help them out a little. When I mentioned this to mom, she decided that even though she didn't even know the family, she would double what we were able to provide.

She taught me of the importance of faith and the power of prayer. Mom's relationship with Heavenly Father was one that was built upon faith. She knew that if she would just pray, everything would be okay. She had so many faith building experiences and always gave credit to Heavenly Father for all of her blessings.

I miss calling her and telling her simple things about my life and getting the exact response I need, whether it's a good laugh or a good swear word because I don't dare say them myself. She wasn't perfect but she wanted so badly to be a good person. Mom was feisty and had a glare that could scare anyone. You knew you were in the "dog house" if you were the recipient of "the look". Fortunately, she never held a grudge and your time in the dog house didn't last long.

I loved watching movies with her, shopping with her, talking on the phone with her, working side by side with her (most of the time), helping her decorate her house, going to lunch at The Tiffin Room at ZCMI where we really felt like fancy ladies, and talking about the girls' trips that we were going to take "someday". We never did.

Mom was a beautiful lady who loved me with a mother's love that always made me feel safe. I think that is the thing I miss the most. I also have the knowledge that mom knew how much I loved her too. I have no regrets about my relationship with her.

Mom, I miss you. You're still number 1 to me.

and this girl

She's pretty too. (Sorry if I'm bragging today).

I kinda like this girl

She's Pretty - The girl in the purple. Not the girl in the background. Well, I'm sure she's pretty too but that's not who I was referring to. (gotta make sure I'm being politically correct.)

Congrats Ali on being asked to be the Head Counselor for Barbara Barrington Jones! I couldn't be more proud! You'll do great! Love love peace and stuff, my dotter!

Chase has been busy

With all of the attention that Brooke received with Thriller and Tyler received with the mission call and Ali receives on an ongoing basis while waiting for Travis (that's not a dig Ali, just shows you how much you are loved), I figured I would dedicate this post to Chase. He is the happiest person I know. From the moment he wakes up to the second he falls asleep he is singing, talking, laughing or just smiling. The only time he's a grump is . . .. i'm thinking . . . . . Oh, when he's so completely stressed out and overwhelmed with Mr. Totland's class. Or when his siblings are bugging the crud out of him. So all in all, he's just happy! And he loves his mom. That's the best part. He thinks I'm beautiful and smart and tells me all the time what he thinks about me. Great kid. Below are pictures of him in the Alta play, "The King and I". He played the part of Prince Chululongkorn. He did a fantastic job and clearly loves being on stage and performing. He said his favorite part of the whole experience was the applause at the end and greeting people out in the hall afterward.

The second picture is of Chase with David Archuleta. We received a phone call from David's voice coach asking Chase to be part of a 10-child choir for one of David's songs at his Christmas concert. This was such a fun experience for him - and me. We both made new friends and enjoyed meeting David. Chase even got to meet and shake hands with Kurt Bestor. Probably the first time I have actually been jealous of him. Anyway, it's been a busy month for Chase and, as a result of me being his mom, me too. What's next Chase? I can't wait to see!

This has been the fastest, craziest, funniest, most life changing 4 weeks of our lives . . . .lately. So, this post may be a little long but there are pictures for those who don't like to read. However, there's a great story about Brooke and a bunch of BYU college boys that you must check out.

To start off our month, Brooke made Thriller and has had "the funnest time of her life". She loves scaring the crap out of people and has actually looked to see if that is a literal thing sometimes because of the screams she gets. She really is creepy looking. To prove how scary she can be we decided to pull a prank on Ty's roommates. I apologize in advance of this story that I wasn't able to take video. Ty wanted to have his roommates down for a sleep over and hot tubbing. So, while all 6 college boys were in the hot tub, talking about Christmas' past (true story), we had Brooke go down the side of the house after she got home from her performance, looking like she does in the pictures. She does her own make up and we are quite impressed with the road rash look she's got going on. Anyway, of course the boys are not expecting anything of the sort to crawl up to the hot tub and stare at them but that's exactly what she did. She just quietly crawled up the side of the hot tub, in the pitch darkness of night, only as Brooke can, and just stared through the steamy red hot tub lights. I can't even describe in words the sounds that were coming from the hot tub other than to say there was an awful lot of screaming and splashing as they tried to get away from the zombie. I don't think any of us have laughed that hard for a long time. . . except Brooke, who didn't even break character for a moment. She just creepily walked back up the side of the house and left the boys traumatized.

NEXT

QUITO, ECUADOR


Ty's mission call came! They only made us wait a week and a half which was really surprising to all of us when it came. But, leave it to Ty, it only took him 3 1/2 hours notice to get about 50 friends and family to come and listen to him open his call. We are so excited and so proud of him. He leaves on January 6. So, of course, we are loving running around together to get everything ready. Well, I'm loving running around with him. Not quite thinking about what I'm going to do without him for two years. I just don't go there quite yet. These two pictures are of him being measured for his suits. I'll stop on that subject for now. (lump in throat)

LITTLE BROOKE TURNS 16. Plus since I blew it on making a cake for Ali's 21'st birthday this year, I made enough cupcakes to celebrate both girls' big days. So now that little Brookie is driving, little Brookie won't stop asking for a car. hahahahahahahahaha. Love her


made salsa

Of course no fall is complete without driving up the canyon to check out the leaves. This year we were one family member short but still had a blast. I'm not sure you'll be able to see any of us though because we all blended so well with nature. Good luck finding us.

I love life! Even though the kids are growing and life is changing so rapidly, I feel like I have so much to look forward to. I'm excited to see what the holiday have in store for us and next year.

LAKE POWELL!!!!

I've been thinking a lot about hard work. On Sunday we had a lesson in Sunday School about the pioneers and what it must have been like for them as they entered the Salt Lake Valley. After walking for so long and enduring so much, they couldn't just hop on over to Subway for dinner. They had to grow their own food and build their houses and life was just hard. They didn't know any better. But neither should we. Life is about hard work. We, through Adam was told it would be a lot of hard work. So, why are there so many people that think life should be easy for them? I guess the next time I'm not in the mood to go to work and get my hands dirty, I'll think about my ancestors and all they had to endure. It's in my blood to work hard and do it without complaining. My ancestors would be very disappointed in me if I did otherwise.

Rick left this morning to drive down to Lake Powell for the weekend. I will be joining him tomorrow but had a ton of stuff to get done before I leave including a young women's activity that I would feel way to guilty if I left Ali and Tresa to do themselves. It'll be a 6 hour lone road trip where I'll have lots of time to think and dream and sing to whatever song comes up on the ipod. There will probably be a lot of Neil Diamond and Josh Grobin and Cat Stevens.

FYI, Chase accomplished one more of his 2009 goals by trying out for and getting a part in the Alta High School play, "The King and I". October and November are going to be insanely busy. I love it!!!

That's all for now. Look Mandy, that's two posts within one week!

Where do I start?

Since my mom passed away, two years ago this December 30, I have often though how incredibly fast life's events are passing by. I wish I would have asked her if she felt the same way. I would love to have asked her if she felt as though the older her kids got, the more time sped up. So now that I have two college kids, one high schooler and my baby is in middle school (so thus, no longer a baby), I have many thoughts about where I am in life. What am I going to do now that my kids aren't completely dependent on me? I have so many goals and dreams and things that I want to do, I don't want anything to stop me.

Another thought is, I AM ABSOLUTELY NOT OLD ENOUGH TO HAVE THESE PEOPLE BE MY CHILDREN!. Seriously. I heard it from other moms in my stage of life and didn't really know what to think of them. Now I understand.

I will try to be more regular at blogging. No promises. This is really a statement for myself and an outlet for myself as a practice and preparation for bigger things to come. i know, makes no sense

In the meantime time, the following are the top ten things that have happened since Ty got his BYU acceptance letter:

10. Rick and Lisa finished off Brooke's Dance Room in the basement. Now our house is 100% complete after living here for 10 years.

9. Lisa and her sister's-in-law and I went to Idaho for our annual girl's trip and hung out with Kenneth Cope. I love my sisters!

8. Ty graduated from high school, Brooke "graduated" from Jr. High, Chase "graduated" from elementary and Ali continues to count down the days till her Trav (missionary) gets home (At the time of this post, we have 9 1/2 months left), work for orthopedic surgeons and finish up her associates degree at UVU

7. The Evenson Family purchases a boat!!!! They are now no longer seen doing yard work every Saturday, but rather are "at the lake".

6. Brooke Mich'l gets her patriarchal blessing. Amazing experience for Dotter and Parents.

5. Lisa and Ali try to talk Father into getting a new puppy. Getting no where fast. He's still in mourning for Duke.

4. Towne & Country Mortgage moves to a larger office space. This is a big deal believe it or not

3. Evenson Family moves Tyler to his new home away from home. No tears were shed (for the most part.)

2. Brooke makes Odyssey Dance Company's Halloween Production "Thriller"! Tears were shed from Mother out of pure excitement!

1. Rick and Lisa get called to be Stake Trek Masters for next year's Pioneer Trek. (After Rick was released from his Single's Branch which was merged with another singles ward).

bugged. I just tried to upload pictures to make this interest. It won't do it. I hate being technology challenged. I'll have ali help me.

Tyler James Evenson

TYLER GOT ACCEPTED

TO BYU!!!!!!!!

WE'RE SO PROUD OF

YOU TY!!!!!!!!!!!

Chase's Cell Phone To Do List

This is what has been present to Chase so far. I can't think of 100 things for him to do.

Chase’s cell phone “to do list”

1. Learn Guitar and play for 1 year
2. No losing temper for 1 month
3. Make bed every day for 1 year
4. Play baseball on dad’s baseball team this spring and sign up for another sport in the fall
5. Read at least one chapter book each month
6. do baptisms for the dead at least once a month. You have to plan it and plan on the ride.
7. Get B’s and above all year in your grades
8. Stay caught up at school. Turn things in on time
9. Keep your room clean
10. Read your scriptures alone for at least 4 days a week
11. Train for a 5k to run in the summer (Draper Days?) (Mandy, see, I thought it was a good idea)
12. Give your mom a hug every day in the morning and night.
13. Be nicer to brother and sisters.
14. Keep room clean and organized at least 4 days a week.
15. Dishes for 1 week a month every month
16. Dump garbage for 1 week a month every month
17. Morning and night prayers every day
18. Attend Young Men’s activities

The following were Chase's additions to my list of 18
19. no t.v for week every two months.
20 no computer for week every two months.
21 be in one play (try out for a play).
22 make at least 5 or more new friends
23 go running 3 times a month with dad
24 play with Gage, Jayden etc
25 study about an animal and tell mom 5 cool facts about it
26 make one dinner with out mom or anybodys help
27
28
29
30