Testify

Ten years ago I worked with a man who embezzled millions of dollars. I of course didn't know that at the time but found out when he left a note and skipped town. After that it was interviews with the FBI, letters from attorneys, subpoena for my notary journal and depositions. Even though I hadn't thought about it in years I wasn't entirely surprised when the FBI showed up at my door 2 weeks before Christmas to subpoena me yet again. A few weeks later I had telephone interview with the attorney. I haven't felt that stupid in a long time. It started out okay but as he asked more questions I realized how little I remember and how muddled and hazy the details are. I have a terrible memory, but of course they don't know that and for some reason seem to expect me to remember things that happened 10 years ago. The FBI agent had made it sound like no big deal; just an interview that would most likely NOT lead to testifying in court. So at the conclusion of the terrible interview I found out that they actually did expect me to testify.

I was SO freaked out!  James kept reminding me that I had done nothing wrong and didn't have to worry about anything, especially because after 10 years it was totally okay to just say, "I don't remember." But the idea of getting up in front of a court room full of people; attorneys, judge, jury and the guy I haven't seen in 10 years was terrifying to me. Especially when things are so unclear. I knew it would be okay and actually best to say I don't remember when I don't; but there were also things like dates that the attorney told me I needed to know for sure. I actually sat and made a timeline of my own life collecting as much information as I could from papers and the original FBI interview. I tried so hard to be calm; to not worry, to be as prepared as possible, but even still I stressed and panicked for almost 3 weeks.

And then the day before I was scheduled the FBI agent called to let me know that I would not be required to testify. I was so relieved! I immediately started crying. Max and Zane wanted to know what wast the matter so I explained that girls cry when they are happy :) I told them that I had been scared of something and now everything was okay. Then right there on the really nasty kitchen floor we had a prayer of gratitude.

A few days later Donny (who was there at the time and who I have worked with for years since then and who also did not have to testify) let me know that the trial was over. I will never have to worry about that again.

Crafternoon

Our second crafternoon was another hit.

Several of the cousins played while the preparations were being made.

What fun to have so many playmates!

Kathy helped the kids make marshmallow snowman.

Carol showed us how to make yummy chocolate lollipops and candies in molds.

Colleen taught those who were interested how to knit. 

There were 45 people stuffed into my little house.

(Kellie, Kate, Brandon, Heather, Courtney, Julie, Christy, Lucia and their kids.)

Everyone had a great time and I am sure we will have many more crazy afternoons of crafts and cousins.

Zane Goes To Nursery & Max Goes To CTR4

This year we changed to the 9:00 church time which I have been looking forward to for months! 1:00 church time is so hard, especially when Sacrament meeting is last. We let Max know that he was going to have a new teacher and sit in a new row. He was fine when we explained that the same kids (girls) will still be in class with him. He has had only girls his age since he was in nursery and is even more excited about primary since a little boy moved into his class. He had no problem with the changes and is enjoying his new teacher Sister Marquardt. 

Zane took to nursery like he had always been going. He walked right in and pointed out the "Temple toys." When we were sealed the boys had so much fun playing with the toys in the temple and that seems to have helped Zane accept nursery.

I can't believe my babies are so grown up!

Our Family Is Sealed

Best Christmas Present EVER!

On a very snowy day we drove to the Jordan River Temple. Mom and Dad Fullmer met us inside and we took Max and Zane to the children's center. I had been worried that they would be scared or nervous, especially Zane in his mommy phase and really wanted them to have a good experience and good memories. We had explained everything we could about what would happen and I was relieved to see them forgot all about us as soon as they saw the abundance of "temple toys."

We had some waiting to do in order to fill out paperwork and get our clothing. As my escort Mom helped me to dress and we shared some tears in the brides' room. I felt beautiful as I put on the white temple dress and connected as I wore the clothing given to me by Grandma Hawkins many years ago. While we were dressing, Mom asked me how this came about. (I called her just a few days before Christmas to tell her our great news and ask if she and Dad would be there with us. They were of course excited, emotional and pleasantly surprised.) I told her that James was ready and our new Bishop was inspired to meet with him to make it happen. I am so grateful for Bishop Howe!

Dressed in our white clothing, James and I had a short veil ceremony, then met with the sealer in an tiny sealing room where he made sure we knew what we were doing. He then took us to an enormous sealing room where after talking to us about families, especially our responsibilities to our children, he sealed us. I have wanted to be sealed to James for nearly 15 years and it was almost anti-climatic how quickly it was done. Not in any way to be taken for granted; just so right that it felt like it had always been that way. After we were sealed we waited for just a moment for the boys to be brought in.

From down the hall we suddenly heard Zane's little voice as he called, "Daddy, Daddio!" It was so sweet and humorous. The boys came in and Max zipped around the room talking a mile a minute about the toys. They looked so cute in their ill-fitting white clothing. After quieting Max down we continued with the ceremony. During the ceremony Zane looked over at me and said, "Hi Mom." He was quiet for a moment and then looked at James and said, Hi Dad."
What an amazing moment it was to have Max and Zane sealed to us!

Kate and Mike met us outside the temple and had everything ready so we could get a few family pictures without spending much time in the cold weather. The boys didn't smile but I still love the pictures of our family together. And the pictures of them kissing me are so adorable! I am so grateful that we have pictures to help us remember this amazing day.

(Afterwards our small group went to Wingers for a celebratory lunch. )

Our wonderful neighbors the Milligans brought us over this beautiful picture as a congratulations gift.

Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving we were able to enjoy two wonderful Thanksgiving get-togethers with the Hill and Fullmer families.

It was amazing, loud, chaotic, fun, amusing and enjoyable to have so many of us together at Kellie's house.

Max was super excited to help me roll out dough for fun decorations on an apple pie.

An older cousin showed Max how to wear a coconut purse as a bra.

He danced around with it on chanting, "coconuts, coconuts."

Grandpa Keith & Liddell weren't able to make it to dinner due to the weather so Marshall called Thanksgiving morning asking if we could bring rolls and a couple more pies. Luckily I had decided earlier that week to make homemade rolls and they were already made so we just had to run to the store to pick up more pies.

As always the Hill get-togethers seem small and calm, especially after the chaotic fun at Kellie's house. But it really nice to visit with them for a few hours and the kids are getting old enough that they play well together.

Marshall snapped pictures of us outside the house.

 

Halloween

Zane trying on different costume

 Doctor Max

Firemen Max and Zane

Uncle Maury Visits

Every few months Maury comes for work and stays with us. Max loves his Uncle Maury! I guess none of Maury's other nephews or nieces call him Uncle so whenever Max says, "Uncle Maury" he responds by saying, "Yes nephew Max?"

 One night we were in the living room trying to put the boys to bed but Max insisted that Maury read him his bedtime story. It was very quickly turning into a tantrum when Maury came in to read to him. It was fun to see gruff Maury reading to my little boy and to see Max's excitement. 

After Max had gone to bed we thanked Maury for taking time to read to him. I teared up when Maury said, "I didn't do anything today that was more important than reading that story to him." As obnoxious as Maury can be he definitely has his moments. And he is really good to Max.