Only...

2 more sleeps

6 more meals

79 more Facebook checks

2 more blog posts

34 more diaper changes

4 more loads of laundry

24 more trips to the bathroom

2 more showers

4 more kid baths

4 more trips back or forth from the school

8 more times of pushing "snooze" on my alarm clock

3 more dishwasher runs

1 more trip to the grocery store

4 more movies

6 more piano practices

8 more children's books

27 more texts

2 more sessions with my vacuum cleaner

83 more times of asking Elle if she needs to go potty

82 more times of cleaning up potty training accidents

...until I see this kid again!


I have a feeling he's changed a bit in the last two and a half years since I last saw him.

Welcome home very very soon Elder Colin!!!

Happy Birthday to My Little Brother

21 years ago, my mom was in labor with my youngest brother, Colin...ON LABOR DAY! I still find the irony and humor in this.

Right now Colin is living in Argentina where he is serving a two-year mission for our church. This is his second birthday in the mission field and will be his second and last holiday season spent away from home and family. (Only 7 more months until he comes home!!)

He is my youngest brother, but he is my biggest hero. I am very proud of him for making such a selfless and brave decision to live in a foreign country, among strangers, doing something that is not easy to do for two whole long years! Away from family and home and familiar things no less.

You know how people say something about "saving the best for last"? That's Colin. He's the youngest out of five kids. He's always been such a kind-hearted, good guy. He loves his mom and his dogs. He finds humor in everything, even if it's not very funny. He is a peacekeeper in our family. He's a great uncle to my kiddos and I sure hope they recognize him when he gets home. I hope I recognize him...I hear he's gotten even taller. Is that even possible??

Happy Birthday Colin! We love you!!!