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