To: Kaitlyn.garcia@missionary.org
From: Mom
Subject: 2 missionaries coming our way
Happy happy Saturday to you!
This week has been low key for the most part. Plenty going on but
nothing to report that needs any attention or even re-living really. I
tried to be better at keeping some notes this week for each day and
hopefully that means a productive email rather than a long drawn out
one. 
🏻
My Monday ended with what felt like never ending kids in a pool. It was
weird to have the Teerlink’s up but mostly because I don’t really know
them. It was fine and they were easy to visit with but still just
different. Tammy Alsup stayed until the girls were almost in tears
because it had been such a long day. She is weird dude. So so weird. But
I am glad it worked out for them to have their kids here. It seems like
they had a good time.
We had a ward bbq on Tuesday this week. Just over at the splash pad by
Blackridge. Rodney got a bounce house that had a small pool in the
bottom as well. They cooked hamburgers with some chips and fruit and we
(the Primary) were in charge of ice cream. So Tyler and I ran to the
Costco and grabbed creamies and drumsticks. It was a fairly good turn
out and everyone seemed to have a good time. I was able to ask both
Akaela and Jaci if they will serve in RS with me and I am hoping they
will agree when it comes time to meet with a bishopric member. Kylie
Girsberger was so excited to stay in with us as well. I hope it all
works out and we can go in and make some much needed changes.
Wednesday is the day I’d like to forget this week. Tyler and I ran to
the cabin to mow the lawn and get some of his mountains of laundry done.
Only on the way up he just went into full mode and by the end of it,
well let’s just say it wasn’t a great end. People were coming to swim
and he handled that alone because I needed some time away. Ahhh
adulting. So fun right? 
Christian got word from Brother Thomas that he will be set apart at home
on Tuesday at 7. That is making it seem and feel super real all of a
sudden. I cannot believe 2 missionaries at once. Wowza is about the only
word. So proud of you both and I am excited to see you both at the end
of each of your time and hear all about them.
Thursday was low key. I decluttered and beat the garbage man so I didn’t
even have to mull on it all week wondering if I needed to go get
something out of it. I just got to where the cabinet under my sink held
so much stuff I never use. Product, trial size stuff, all that. Plus my
nightstand by the bed had SO much stuff it was embarrassing. Anyways,
felt good to get rid of a lot and then I spent my afternoon on the deck.
I pushed and cut cuticles, polished nails, and even found a quick nap
in the middle too. My super pretty new handbag came today too!!!! 
oh
my gosh I love it so much. Tyler took the boat to Idaho (which was good
for him to be gone), Brooklyn chilled until she “3rd wheeled” hanging
with Kinlee and Lincoln, and Christian started getting his room all
packed up. He got the computer and everything set up and after his room
is packed he should be pretty much ready for home MTC.
Friday was a pool day. Literally went out at like 11:30 and came in at
2:15 so I could shower. Angie Câmara Manuel was coming over to discuss
RS Pres stuff and I didn’t want to smell like pool. Christian and
Brooklyn hung by the pool too. They got in for a break from the heat but
still nice of them to hang with me. B is working on her tan pretty
good. Even moving away from her high waisted tankini Janela Bay suits. I
think Cutler plays a huge role in that. He is in Cancun and due home
Tuesday and she cannot wait. Speaking of Cutler…in the pool yesterday
she says ‘Mom, I wanna tell you something.’ And then proceeds to tell
me that Cutler kissed her!!
and you should have seen the grin on her face. So funny. So I said ‘you
kissed him huh?’ And she’s all ‘he kissed me. I didn’t kiss him’. Then I
giggled and explained it takes 2 people to kiss and she’s all ‘well
then yeah I kissed him’. Fuuuuunnnnnyyy!!! It was here at then house, in
the loft. Lincoln was here but when she was telling Tyler later that
night (didn’t hold back and grinned from ear to ear while she told him)
she said Lincoln wasn’t paying attention so Cutler went in for the kiss.
When she told me I asked her if she had told Christian because he was
getting in the pool at the same time and she said no. She even said she
hadn’t told you yet and that I should feel lucky because she always
tells you stuff first. 🤣🤣seriously it was the best day in the pool yet
I think.
My meeting with Angie was overwhelming to say the least. I told Rodney I
feel super inadequate with this and after talking with Angie all of
that is still confirmed and weighing so super heavy on my heart. I don’t
know if I can do this calling. I am going to have to lean on my
Heavenly Father more than ever I am afraid.
It’s Saturday morning and it’s 6:40am. I am outside on the deck, Charli
is already sound asleep again after being let out and coming out with
me, kids and Tyler are still sound asleep inside, and I will admit that I
really enjoy this time of my morning each day. I see the walkers and
the runners. Occasionally a mountain biker rolls by but rare. The
sprinklers are going and the sunshine is leaking through some cloud
coverage that is hanging this morning. It’s peaceful. And with life
doing all it is doing, moments like this for myself are just what I
need.
I’m not 100% sure what my day looks like today. Brooklyn asked Christian
to take her yesterday to get a Fathers Day card at the Walgreens so I
don’t have to do that. Part of the issue on the cabin day revolved
around Tyler and his kids and the same old as usual so I don’t know what
his plans are for Sunday with them or is he has any. I asked Christian
if he was going to your dads and he said probably not and that he didn’t
remember it was even Father’s Day. I’ll ask him again but it really
comes down to him and what he wants anyways so as long as he is good
with his choice.
I am bailing on church tomorrow. Already committing to that. Sad. But I
need the day to group myself and ready myself for this crazy new world
that will start next Sunday as I pretend to play in Relief Society. I
think a day at the pool is what will be in store. I also think that I
need to be at the ready for B if Tyler chooses to spend the day with his
kids and she is left out, like what usually happens, if so.
I think Christian is getting excited for the MTC. He doesn’t share much
like normal but it’s so close. He cleaned the car yesterday because it
will go up for sale probably end of the week next week. He got an email
about his visa that is super confusing. We already sent the stuff like
they asked and they are asking for it again. I am sure the travel group
is more than overwhelmed but makes me all sorts of confused.
I started thinking this week about choices. Choices in all the things we
do each and every single day. Some of the mundane and repetitive. Some
of them new and unsure. There is a consequence to all choices and if we
make a wrong one, depending on the choice itself, the consequence can be
heavier than anticipated. Some choices in my life at the beginning have
made for consequences in my later years that some days seem unbearable.
Choices in my life from earlier have sure made my later years easier
and better. Even those that have made life better and have proven to be a
good choice still have an opportunity to end with a consequence if I
don’t continue to persevere and move forward in the light that the
original choice required. All of this seems messy as I am trying to
explain my thoughts. But…just know that as I thought about choices I
thought about you and the choice you have made to be a missionary on our
Heavenly Fathers errand. Maybe not an easy choice or maybe the easiest
choice you’ve had to make. Some days on the mission maybe easier to get
up and going compared to others. Regardless of what the initial choice
of serving a mission entailed, don’t lose sight of the long term.
Remember your reasonings behind wanting to serve. Think of the example
and the experience you will be able to share one day with your children
and grandchildren. Think of the lives you are changing and influencing.
But mostly think about the relationship and trust you are gaining with
your Heavenly Father. What a blessing you are getting to have day in and
day out by one simple choice! Know this is all not ignored or not seen
here at home. I recognize that you have a choice daily to be where you
are and to put in the work and effort you do. The word proud will never
be enough. 
Sister Garcia, I love love you. I am blessed that you chose me as your
Mom before making the choice to come down and experience the mortal
world. I am better in life because of your example and your willingness
to do those things that the Lord has asked you to do. You are a light in
my soul and the joy and happiness you bring to me and to the many
around you is contagious. Thank you for who you are and for remaining
genuine in all things. Have the best weekend and day at church tomorrow.
I can’t wait to be able to visit with you on Monday. Please pass on my
love to Sister Parrish as well.
I love you to the moon and back,
Mom
 |
| Lauren actually flew to her mission and wasn’t doing Provo MTC like I
thought. Robyn brought the kids by on their way home and while the kids
swam she talked with Tyler. I should have excused myself because it was
hard talk with lots of tears. My heart aches for her and the lonely she
is feeling. I cannot begin to imagine the shoes she is wearing. |
 |
| I don’t know where I stole this from. But something about the simplicity
in the image and the immediate feels that came over me made it so I
screen shotted it. |
 |
| Saturday morning. Quiet and peaceful outside. Emailing my fave
missionary. Looks to be the best start of a day if you ask me. 🤟🏻 |
