They're Off

It was a blue Monday when we sent Ben and Karin off to Utah. We have loved, loved having them spend so much of their summer with us. Ben enjoyed a successful internship with Ernst & Young in San Francisco. He came away with "high marks" for his performance there. Our family loves Ben so much, he is such a great example and so fun to be with. He is a story-teller extraordinaire, has a great sense of humor and is willing to try anything. Life was crowded whenever he was with us, we definitely could use a home twice the size of the one we own. But, Ben never complains AND is helpful in the kitchen. Love, love that man.

I loved having Karin with me. A mother/daughter relationship is so special. I am so proud of her attitude and the way she survived the SF living conditions and weather. My favorite week was "girls week", I enjoyed quiet time with her, me helping her sew (mother you would be so proud I actually put in two zippers) and she helping me on my computer. She is so kind to her brothers and sister, no wonder we all cry for a few days when she leaves.

Scott will be leaving tomorrow. It's been a quiet summer for me without him here. I love our conversations and book discussions and even our debates. He loves BYU and is such a happy kid. Tonight was special as he received the Melchizedek Priesthood and was ordained to the office of an Elder. His cousin Jeffrey returned from his mission in Guatemala just 30 minutes prior to Scott's ordination. My heart was filled with joy as I watched them talking together. I'm glad they will have time together at BYU.

So now my house will be quiet and I'll probably get organized again and maybe even clean out the closets that were on my "to do" list for the summer. But I'll be crying and wishing for the chaos, laughter, fun and family.