September

September has been a fun month.  We spent the first part of the month getting a few more chores crossed off our list.  Planning food, mowing, getting railings built and stained, had a date lunch, etc. I went with Dave to work one day and went for a walk and got some groceries.  We were surprised when Dave was called to be a councilor in the stake YM's presidency.  He said he feels like an old grandpa compared to the YM.  We had stake conference. Again I drove down with Dave and waited during his meetings until the adult session started. 

All the messages were wonderful as usual.  After Sunday Stake conference we drove up to get Cora and Jane.  Ammon met us half way and we did a quick (9 hour) up, turn around, and back down.  Monday Cora had an appt and then we hung out.  Tuesday I worked and Dave went with Cora to the dentist to watch Jane.  She then had to do a 2 hour gestational diabetes test.  Had tried to do it Monday while I was off so I could watch Jane, but was told she had to be fasting.  I tried to bip over and see how they were doing when I could and then took Jane for a long walk on my lunch break as Cora couldn't leave at all.  Jane did so good.  Wednesday we went to town to get all the needed food for our Nacho Bar. We had a picnic lunch at the park with Leah and Dave.  It was a hot day.  That night Dave scrubbed all the cobwebs off the house.  And I got the queso made for Sunday.  Jane was a big help. Thursday Blake got home.  Yay! 

It was so fun to have the whole family together again for the weekend.  After the temple Friday we went out to Cannon and Nicole's to help chop fruit and prepare for Levi's wedding the next day. We got back late.  Cora and Ammon stayed with Leah and Braydon Friday night.  It was good to not have Jane travel so much as we were going right back on Saturday for the wedding.  They stayed up late playing 5 Crowns.  The next morning off to the wedding we went.  It was a beautiful day.  They look very happy together, and the family dinner was delicious and well done. We left after the dinner, skipping the reception to get back and get ready for Blake's report and all the people that were coming the next day. 

Sunday was lovely.  So  many people to love and support Blake.

We got to spend an extra day with Cora and Jane as Ammon had meetings in SoAb. It was a sunny day.  We colored with chalk and Blake got working on his truck.  He made us an African dish as best he could with ingredients in here.  It was surprisingly good. He has been staying busy.  Making plans, researching school and programs, fixing his truck, scripture study, seeing the girl, hauling water, and the co-op. 

 He is anxious to get to work, but needs to wait until November and get a few things sorted. 

Dave took him waterskiing.  He didn't even hesitate.  Like riding a bike. Also did some wakeboarding and got some good jumps. He has been very cold.  I gave in and turned the heat on earlier than normal.  He keeps saying that the plan was to go on a mission and come home, so now what, and everyone keeps asking him.  

Leah and I had a free day off at the same time.  We usually work opposite days.  She had wanted to do some thrifting.  Blake and I went with her and hit 3 different thrift stores.  Found some good stuff and had great fun together.  Lots happened this month, it was a great one. 

When missionaries complete their missions in Sierra Leone the get what is called a muffler.  Blake said it is an African thing and he things maybe all African mission get it.  It has his mission, name, years he served all woven and country pins put on as well.  It is pretty sic. 

He's Home!!

Blake is home!!  We rented a van so we could all travel together. Ammon had a meeting and was not able to come.  The Thursday everyone else got here about 1.  The girls made signs to welcome him back.  We did one last quick spiff and were off.   I had been tracking his flights.  The last one said he was 1/2 hour early.  Once we got to where he would come out we walked around.  Jane loved these horses and just hung out. 

My app said he had landed, but the monitors still didn't say he had.  We just kept kind of in the area and waited to be told his plane had landed.  I took Jane over to look at the waterfall.  Then was going back to the rest of them, but Jane really like the water and didn't want to leave.  So we stayed and then there was a familiar face.  It took me a second because it didn't say he hand landed yet.  Blake said he recognized Jane's "wow" first, then saw me.  I quickly waved everyone over.  We didn't even get our signs out.  Apparently we are not good at picking up our missionaries.

He was ragged, tired, dirty, and hungry.  But happy to be done flying. Even in the airport is was strange how not weird it was.  Like he had driven to the airport with us and now we were going home. 

Jane got to meet Uncle Blake for the first time.  It didn't take her long to warm up to him. 

All he had wanted for months was to eat at Jerusalem Shawarma and go to the temple.  We fed him right away and drove straight to Stake Pres house to get him released. 

I love how dirty and worn his Book Of Mormon is.  His shoes, pants and ties, were worn and sad.  He kept saying it was a testament.

Ammon got there Thursday night late.  We put his suitcases in the shop so we could deal with the possible bed bugs or cinch as Blake says.  Friday morning we got to see all the cool things he brought home and check for bugs.  Then we returned the van and did a temple session.  It was fun to have all my kids there together. 

Sunday Blake gave his report.  It was HC week and Dave was assigned to our ward. The girls, Ammon and Dave sang I Will Be What I Believe.  It was beautiful.  I had fell in love with the song months ago and Lalainia wrote in parts for everyone and made it possible.  Many thanks to her for making my dream a reality.  Blake did give his testimony in Krio :) we had been asking him for weeks.  He warned everyone that is sounds strange but he was doing it for me.  It was awesome. 

The orange was not really discussed.  Leah kind of decided and then had Braydon bring an orange tie. Cora's dress happened to be orange and so she had Ammon bring matching tie.  Sadly I dropped the ball in letting Dave know.  Oops! 

We served a nacho bar to family and people Blake asked to come after dinner.  I wish I had a picture.  We covered the tables in white paper and wrote little facts about Sierra Leone on them.  Then did the white paper on the counter and warmers.  Leah wrote all the instructions and directions.  I was worried about running our of food.  It turned out all ok. It was a beautiful day and we are so excited to have Blake home safe and sound again.