Dear Kornti

Dear Kortni -

I know it's been a while since I wrote to you.  I hope that you haven't forgotten about me.  There have been many nights that I have prayed about you finding this blog and you knowing that somewhere in the world your Aunt Bec loves you, and misses you, still after all of this time.  I often pray for you, simple things usually most of the time that you will have a great day, that you will remember who you are, that you will be a good example to your friends, that you are happy, all of the things I wish I could say to you.  I try not to count the number of years it has been since I last saw you, that makes me more sad.  Instead I look forward to the day that the miracle will happen, hearts will be softened and we will see you again.

Things continue to move forward with the family.  Aunt Kristin will soon be home from her mission.  It is amazing to think how fast the time flew by for her.  She has grown up so much.  I have been blown away by her strength and faith and the love she has been able to develop.  Some days I get nervous that she won't be my baby sister anymore when she comes home, and she won't be the same.  I realize that she won't be, but that she will be better.  I often get jealous of the experiences she is having and the time she gets to spend serving.

Aunt Steph and DeLyLa both graduated from College this summer.  Steph with a psychology degree and Heather with a degree in accounting.  They are both looking for the perfect jobs while surviving at the jobs that got them through school.  Aunt Steph has decided she wants to start a horse ranch for troubled teens, won't that be fun. It is fun to see her pull out the old roots and get back on a horse.  I am often jealous of her.  I remember as a little girl that was the best thing in life...to get on one of our old horses and just ride.  Heather is still living in Shumway, and has become Great Grandma's primary care giver.  Can you believe Great Grandma celebrated her 94th birthday this year.  She is still doing well, even though I think sometime she gets lonely.

Aunt Shell is still working at the hospital, still helping to bring new babies into the world.  I think she really loves her job but what's not to love. She bought a house and has really enjoyed working on it.  I know she misses you a lot and often asks your Uncle Andy how you are doing when she sees him at Petes.  We cry a lot of tears together about you.

Uncle Jeremy and Aunt Debbie are doing good.  Crazy to believe that Aubri graduated from High School this year and is in college now.  Wes, Ryanne, Rustin and Hunter all just started school and have been excited to do so.  They are still raising lambs and being the little farm family they always have been.  You would love going to visit them, there is always deer in their yard.

Uncle Jeff got remarried to a great lady named Amy.  We really love her and they are expecting their first (and probably only) baby in February.  Uncle Jeff is doing really well, and they are getting ready to go to the temple.  Aunt Amy is a very sweet lady who we are so excited to have in our family.  It seems like every time I see Kaelee I think of you.  You two were so cute together.  I loved it that you were the best of friends. She is doing well, very involved in school.  Sometimes I get a little sad because they aren't active in the church, but I know they are good people, and someday all of our prayers will be answered and we will all be in the temple together.  Lane is growing up to not be as accident prone as he used to be and is quite the handsome little devil.  Colton has a soft spot for Grandma in his heart and I love that.  I think he would rather be at Grandma's than anywhere else in the world.

You would never guess that Justin and Shaina  are both living in Seattle now.  It doesn't seem like they are old enough to be up there.  Justin just moved a few weeks ago, but Shaina is doing really well.  I think they are excited to be together again.  They have always been the best of friends.  Uncle Troy finally has a job closer to home, which I know Aunt Toni appreciates.  He will get to come home every weekend now.  I wish you could see where they live.  It is such a beautiful area, somedays I wish I could make it closer to home.

Uncle Corky & Aunt Trish are still in Snowflake.  I think they are working really hard to get their house finished.  Uncle Corky is always working on something and Aunt Trish is so talented if she sees something she can do it.

I hear from your Dad every once in a while. I wish it was easier to get down to see him.  The last time I did he was doing well.  I am always amazed at his faith and hope.  I know we don't understand everything right now Korti, but someday we will.  It may be heaven, but we will.  One thing I do know is that He loves you and He misses you dearly.

Grandma and Grandpa are doing well.  It is hard to see them start to get older.  Grandpa has had a tough year with his falls, he dislocated his elbow, broke his thumb, and rolled his ankle.  I joke with him about wrapping him up with bubble wrap before he leaves the house every morning.  He is still working at the papermill, but i think he plans on retiring sometime, but probably not for another year.  Grandma is starting to have more heart problems.  Sometimes I feel like it is because of all of the heartache we put her through, but she is still there loving us all.  I know she wishes she could see you and that she misses you dearly and prays for you often.

And as for me Kornti...I am happy.  Life never goes quite the way you think it will, but in when it doesn't I have learned to pull up my boot straps and move on to plan B, knowing that Heavenly Father has something better than I have ever dreamed in store.  I think about that a lot.  I think of you daily hoping that you are doing well.  I miss you little girl, you may not be a little girl anymore, but you will always be my Korti.  

Love,

Aunt Bec

Dear You!

I know I started this blog last year and did terribly with it, but as one of my new years resolutions this year I have decided to do better with it.

So here it goes, today I just want you to know that I love you, and that I love you no matter what.  No matter if you are naughty, no matter if you are too cool or too busy to talk to me.  NO MATTER WHAT.  Please remember that, no matter what Aunt Bec loves you!

Love,

Aunt Bec

Sister Sue -

Since this post is about a week an a half late I realize that I might not be in the running for favorite Aunt anymore.  Please know that it doesn't mean that I don't love you any less. You have been in my thoughts just as much if not more.

This year is hard for me to realize that my sweet little girls are turning 14.  I remember spending a summer with you in Salt Lake and you and Lane were just little.  It was so sweet to me how you called everyone "Hun".  I remember you riding your little bike around that neighborhood.  One of my favorite memories of you is after you moved to Shumway, you guys were living in the house just down the road from Granmda's.  One day you and Lane were coming to the bus stop.  I will never forget, Lane being a little dare devil.  He would stick his foot out in the road, but you ran in front of him and looked both ways before you grabbed his hand and ran across the road.

I so enjoy all of the sweet memories of you guys camping out in our little trailer.  It was such a blessing for me to spend time with you sweet little kids.  Do you remember how cramped we were when we would all stay in our trailer.  You usually got the couch and Lane and Colton on the floor, but we all loved it.  What about eating El Pato & Potato chips?  That is still one of my favorite treats. It made me feel so special when we finished our house in Taylor and you came to claim your room.  Even though you didn't get to stay in it much it made me feel like you really wanted to be there, and I loved that.  I loved coming to pick you up for church every Sunday.  I was always so proud of you for going with me, even when you didn't understand a thing that was going on, it made it easier for me to go.   

Kaelee - You have grown up to be a very beautiful girl, and not just physically.  I am always amazed at your willingness to jump in and help.  It makes me so happy when you are at Grandmas and you just do stuff to help without being asked.  I love watching you as you help your brothers.  It makes me smile to see you enjoying helping those around you.

Sister Sue.... you are amazing and I hope you remember that.  I know that life isn't always easy, and that in the years ahead you will be faced with a lot of hard challenges.  My challenge to you...Don't ever start doing anything you are going to regret or wish you could quit later.  Remember that doing what's right is more important than doing what is popular.

Remember that Aunt Bec loves you.  Someday's it is really hard living up here, I feel like I am missing seeing you grow up.  I may be a million miles away, but you are always in my thoughts and prayers.  Know that if you ever need anything I am here.  Miss you tons and can't wait to see you again this summer!  Hope you had a good birthday.

I love you!

Love,

Aunt Bec

Happy Valentines Day

Love is what makes you smile when you're tired.

I hope you all have a HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!!  I Love You!

Love,


Aunt Bec

Happy Birthday Rustin

RUSTIN!!!!

Y'know what,
Rustin?
The coolest thing
happened
on your
birthday!

 You!!!

So it's your birthday today!  I hope that you have had a really fun birthday... Did you get everything you asked for? Did you have fun in Primary.  

I am so lucky that I get to be your Aunt.  I love your sense of humor, and the care and concern that you have for others around you.  Remember to be good because people are always watching you especially Hunter and your cousins.  I know that as you continue to choose the right and be like Jesus that others will want to follow your example.  

Remember I LOVE You!  

Love, 

Aunt Bec

Dear Kortni

Dear Kortni -

Some days it seems like time stands still and others it seems as if it is flying by.  Today is one of those flying by days.  It is really hard for me to realize that you are celebrating your big 14th birthday today.  I still remember going to the hospital seeing you so tiny, hooked up to all those crazy machines and tubes when you were born.  I thought the doctor was trying to kill you when he flipped your small body over and your head didn't move. It was hard for us to be so exited and scared all at the same time.  I loved shopping in the premee section, trying to find you clothes to wear since you were so early.  I remember watching them fold the new born diapers over, and then over again, just to get them to fit.  You were so small, the size of a video tape in weight and size!

Tonight Korti - the big 14!  And how I wish that I could share the day with you, at least a phone call, a card, a love, but I did have many many thoughts about you.  I hope that where ever you are in the world that you know your Aunt Bec loves you.   You are always in my thoughts and prayers!  I spend a lot of time wondering who you look like now?  Do you still have that sweet birthmark on your cheek or did you grow out of it like the Doctors said you would?  Are you still as smart as you were when I last saw you?  Do you still love animals the way you did?  I hope that you still have your sweet giggle - that melted my heart every time.  Did you gain your Mom's good sense of humor?  Do you still hate pink? All questions I wish I could ask you.  I sometimes imagine who you are today, wondering if you would know me if I saw you.  Sometimes I dream about our reunion...it always brings me happy thoughts! 

One of my most favorite memories are when we did our hair and dressed alike.  I hope that you got a copy of those pictures somewhere, because they are treasures to me.  You always had such a sweet smile!

I hope you don't mind if I have a birthday wish for you today.  My birthday wish for you is that you are growing up to be a strong young women who knows who she is.  I hope that your testimony of the gospel is growing and that you have a good relationship with Heavenly Father.  I hope you can feel the love of a family who cares about you very much, even if we can't see you.  I hope you know that you are not alone.  

Kortni - You are one of the reasons that I want to live better each day.  You are one of the reasons I have hope.  I am hoping for that day that through the atonement all tears and hurt will be gone.  And most of all, I hope you know that someday when you are ready, that I am here, just aching to love you.You are a very important part of our family!  I'll save a seat for you...right next to me!

Missing you more every day!

Love,

Aunt Bec