Fall into Autumn

I may need to come to terms with the fact that life will go on... even while Brian is far away. Nothing else can account for the fact that we had a great autumn weekend with each other and friends and family. Friday, during a horrible day at the office (I don't know if anyone's checked the market lately....), I got a text (I'm very hip) from our friend and neighbor John. He was in town for a weekend home from Western. He invited us to dinner with the Hills and the Pearsons. It was so great to see them all again, and share tales of these young men who are onto life's great adventures. It was the beginning of a wonderful respite from the madness.

Saturday morning, we returned for our annual sojourn for apples in Leavenworth. I must admit it wasn't the same without Brian stuffed in the back set, playing Nintendo (no, not PS2, but full-blown Nintendo that his father rigged for him to be able to play in the car) and whining the entire trip. I've never understood why the drive was so horrible when he was playing video games, exactly as he would be at home, but Brian is never one to suffer in silence... This year, instead of a bored teenager, we took our friends Dave and Leslie. It was a little strange, as the Blakely's seemed to actually enjoy the scenery and the company. After the first few miles adjusting, we found it quite a pleasant experience. The changing leaves were amazing. After gathering apples from the greatest fruit stand on the planet (see photos below), we headed back and stopped by the river to enjoy the day. Then we gorged on Zeke's burgers, malts and onion rings (sorry, Brian... this part he really will miss!) and headed back to the west side of the state. It's odd as we spent much of the drive reminiscing about watching our kids grow: when did we get to this stage? That being said, in many ways, this stage rocks!

After dropping the Blakely's off, we hopped back in the car and headed in the opposite direction to Port Orchard for a family birthday celebration at the Rowley's. There were fewer numbers than in celebrations past, but it was so fun to watch Steve with his brothers, Wayne and Wade. To hear Steve's sense of humor and deep chuckle times 3 is always a treat. Mom is a wonderful hostess and everything was as wonderful as we've all come to expect and demand!

It was a great day that reminds of how blessed we are to live in a beautiful place and surrounded by loving friends and family. I do have to head back to the office tomorrow, but I'll have plenty of apples to slice and prep to remind me of the great weekend!

This is what Eve looked like when she hit 45!


I have not done this pose since Sadie Hawkins 1980!

Our Bishop has many spiritual insights to share:

some of them are from The Karate Kid

Watching the cousins play was a highlight of the night. They truly adore each other!

A Good Day!

Is it ever good news when the phone rings at 5:40 am?  If you asked me this question at 5:39 this morning, I would give you a resounding, "NO!" but I've since changed my tune.  When I heard the phone ring I was sure that the server was down at the office or something worse.  Even when I saw the "pay phone" with an area code 801, it didn't sink in.  But when I heard my boy's voice at the end of the line, I was awake and alert!

Elder Rowley had some visa issues he needed to clear up.  So, he took a "day trip" to San Francisco with a few other Elders.  'Such a mover and a shaker.  He was able to call us from the airport.

He sounded upbeat and like life is good.  He says it's hard and that the long hours of study challenge him.  He also said that he is "getting better at it" and that his favorite part of study is reading his scriptures.  He says he loves his time with the scriptures.  I took this as a very good sign.  He mentioned the powerful Spirit that he feels in the MTC in both his letters and his conversation today.

He's been overwhelmed with the packages and letters he's received.  It's meant the world to him during a pretty big transition.  Thanks to all who've given him so much support.

On the phone he mentioned that he's supposed to exude "quiet dignity.... whatever that means."  I love that boy! 

He also says he's very impressed with the Sister Missionaries.  He says it's liberating to be around girls without any need to impress them.  He mentioned that he is doing his best to make himself as "unattractive as possible" to them.   I am in awe of the sacrifices this young man continues to make.  I hope he is able to shield enough of his charisma so that he won't be a distraction to the young maidens.  

Having a surprise call was incredible and it was a wonderful way to spend an hour!

If by chance you want to write to him:

ELDER BRIAN NASH ROWLEY

MTC Mailbox #183

FRA-PAR 1201

2005 N 900 E

Provo, UT  84604-1793

you can also use www.dearelder.com.  Letters are delivered for free the same day you send them (if prior to noon).

This One's for Lisette

After what has been a very rough few weeks at work, I've been feeling pretty sorry for myself.  Worse than that, I'm actually beginning to take myself seriously.  To try to fight off this ridiculous behavior, I've actually started a journal again after a small hiatus (I believe my last recorded entry was prior to Brian's birth, but who's counting?).   As a part of my journal entries, I've taken President Eyring and Steve Rowley's advice to do a daily "Hand of the Lord" entry.  This is acknowledging something in your day where you see the Lord in your life.  It's been a pretty amazing experiment.  As you write down these items, you realize how intimately the Lord is involved in your life.  And, I believe, as you acknowledge the experiences you have, you are blessed with more.  Each day since I've started I've had at least one powerful experience to give me what I've needed during a difficult time.

Today I had the chance to walk with my friend Lisette.  I was telling her about these entries.  As I was blabbing away about this and all the other information I poured over her during our walk, I realized that she was one evidence of the Lord's hand in my life.  Though Lisette has plenty going on in her own life, she listened to me, validated me and gave me some wise counsel.  All this while burning calories and watching the sun set over the Puget Sound (oh, and watch a scene from some movie being filmed).  Can a woman ask more than this?  I think not.

I'm thankful for her humor, thoughtfulness and how she never does anything half way.   What she offered me this evening was exactly what I needed and it reminds me that my Heavenly Father loves me and watches out for me every day. 

P.S.  Apparently, Brian is doing just fine in the MTC.  His emails contain many more exclamation points than they do details.  He just lets us know that he is doing sooooooooooooo awesome and his roommates are soooooooooooo funny!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I'll have to post some of his entries so you can see that I do not exaggerate.   Thanks to every one for supporting him at this exciting time in his life.

And So it Begins...

Well, the package has been delivered. Brian entered the Provo Missionary Training Center this last Wednesday.

First of all, thanks to all of you who helped make Brian's last weekend home so incredible. It was a wonderful and crazy weekend that reminded us of all the support we have enjoyed throughout all of our lives. Seeing and hearing from so many friends and family was truly overwhelming.

After a weekend filled with barbecues, parties, talks in church and packing for a mere two years, we flew down to Utah Tuesday evening. With over three months to prepare, of course we'd left way too much to the last minute, so there was plenty of scrambling, but we made it with only a few essentials forgotten (poor Brian had to enter the MTC without his BackStreet Boys tee-shirt. 'Hardly seems fair, does it? No worries, it's being fedexed down this week) Once in Provo, Brian was able to catch up with a few friends, all returned missionaries who were full of tips for surving and thriving in the MTC and having a great mission. As his temporary companion I was able to join in and hear the wisdom myself. The advice ranged from making your companion's bed, immersing yourself in the language, to choosing the bathroom as your service (apparently the MTC has great power washers for the bathroom that can be really entertaining). We also drove past so many places that were filled with memories of Brian's college experiences (does the MTC have to be in the same town he went to school???). This was a little painful, reminding Brian of so many things he'll miss over the next 24 months (or just four general conferences, as Brian would tell you).

The next morning we had a great breakfast with Brian's cousins, the McLaughlin's. It was the perfect way to spend what could have been a very stressful morning. We laughed and shared memories, and Derek had a few words of wisdom for Brian. Surprisingly enough, this counsel included making sure to choose bathrooms for service... again because of those crazy power washers. Derek also informed Brian to be proud of his "dork dot" (note the red dot on Brian's missionary tag. This dot lets everyone know that it is the wearers first day in the MTC and to take extra good care of them.) Derek said that there is power in the dork dot and suggested taking really good care of it, removing it carefully so that it can be put on again every Wednesday for that extra special treatment each week! Brian really picked up some gems for a successful MTC stint.

After one last phone call with Alicia (this one broke all of our hearts), we pulled into the MTC and Brian handed over his cell phone to his Dad. I was filled with awe when I saw the smile on Brian's face as we entered the grounds of the MTC. Knowing how difficult the last week or so had been saying farewells to everyone, especially that last goodbye, I was really inspired by Brian's commitment and great attitude.

We had heard so many conflicting experiences about the Missionary Training Center, we weren't sure what to expect. While it was definitely hard to say goodbye, we were grateful to get a glimpse of the MTC and feel the energy and wonderful spirit about the place. I was amazed when I saw the light in these young men and women's faces as they embarked on this great work and adventure. I expected to see a lot more fear and a lot less anticipation. They all looked excited and ready to go.

After some laughter and tears and hugs, we went out that door that we had heard so much about. We walked out and past one more opened door into the chapel where we had met. When we looked through we caught one last glimpse of Brian. He was hugging a young man who he'd known from college the year before who entered the MTC the same day. It was a great last moment to see he was in good hands and in good company.

"the last phone call" with Alicia

the standard shot every missionary must have

entering the doors of the MTC... with confidence?

Our last family photo for a while...

Thanks again to all who were here to support Brian last weekend and all who have supported our family throughout the years. While the house is quiet and empty, we are thrilled with this opportunity he has to serve the Lord. I also can find comfort that I'll be busy for at least the first few days... cleaning his room. I'm truly blessed :)

A Letter from Mom

Dearest Brian

I just had to write you a note of thanks.  Thank you for the joy you have brought to us each and every day of your life.  Thank you for your sense of humor, your love of a good laugh and your kind heart.

Thank you for your love of the absurd and your zest for life.  Thank you for countless baseball games and being the only kid who actually liked to hear his mom cheer.  Thank you for your shameless joy in a good Boy Band and for the fact that on your 19th birthday, you wanted to go to a Back Street Boys Concert.

Thank you for being not just my son, but my friend.  I have always been able to trust you with a confidence.  Thank you for not allowing me to take myself too seriously.  Thank you for trusting me with the occasional secret.  Thank you for luring me away from housework to sit next to you watching some stupid television show.  Thank you for "padding my stats" on this silly blog.

And thank you for making this choice, even when it is so difficult.  Even when there are so many reasons to stay, I'm so thankful that you are choosing the Lord's will.   I'm so grateful that you have the strength to make a hard decision, because it's what you feel is right.  A wise friend told me just last week that the Lord respects sacrifice.  She also said that the Lord will never allow Himself to be in our debt.  You will be blessed for your service, and you will bless the lives of others.

Thank you for the lesson you'll be giving me in prayer.  I promise you that I will pray more earnestly than I ever have.  I will pray for your health and your safety.  I'll pray for your strength and stamina.  I'll pray for your intellect and recall as you learn these challenging languages.  I'll pray for the people you teach.  

I love you with all my heart.  You are the light of our lives and your Dad and I are grateful every day for the blessing you are in our lives and the lives of those around you.

Thank you my dearest, darling boy.

I love you!!!

Mom

Two Practically Perfect Weekends

The past couple of weeks have gone past in a blur. Life has been hectic both at work and with last-minute preparations for Brian's mission. The weekends have been the perfect respite from the craziness.

Last weekend we started off on Lake Sammamish with the Blakely's. The water cooperated most of the time and everyone (excepting whimpy me!) got some great ski runs in. Luckily I bring my camera, so I'm invited on the boat anyway. It is so fun to watch the continual progress. Watching really top-notch skiers is a thing of beauty. It was a wonderful morning.

After the ski run, we celebrated with Breakfast at our favorite place in down town Kirkland. Brian has recently discovered Eggs Benedict, and it is changing his life... After the heavy brunch and Brian's nap (you'd swear he was either four or seventy-four, wouldn't you?), we headed to hills for a nice little hike to Barkley Creek. It was an easy 4.5 mile hike and it was so beautiful. I think everything seems a little more special knowing that we won't be able to do this for quite some time. We thoroughly enjoyed the beauty and each other's company.


While Brian is typically never in a rush, it was fun to watch him move us all along at a good pace... He was very concerned we'd finish after his favorite burger joint on Highway 2 was closed. I loved this rare burst of speed on the part of the Rowley males, because we kept a great pace, which I thrive on. And, miracle of miracles, we finished on time and were able to counteract any of the health benefits of the hike with burgers, onion rings and malts. Whew!

Thank heavens for the break because Labor Day brought true labor. It was Attic Cleaning Day. I think Brian was ready to divorce his mother. That being said, the attic has been cleared of 18 years of junk and I am seriously considering giving tours of it. Brian did a fabulous job laying down new plywood and organizing the remaining essentials. Essentials is defined as things we'll still never really need again but couldn't bring ourselves to part with.


There was real entertainment to be found in finding pieces of our history during the cleaning process. We found an East High School seat cushion (which of course Gail has claimed as her own), baby clothes, Brian's elementary school artwork and pictures of when we were all younger and thinner.


After an arm wrestle at the pickup where Steve kept taking things out of the DI pile and Lynn kept replacing them, we reach an amicable settlement (except I'm pretty sure that Steve stashed some stuff that was supposed to be thrown.... such is my life).


We finally completed the project just in time for last weekend. It was another fabulous one! Alicia arrived Thursday evening. We love spending time with her. She is energetic and fun and seems to roll with everything the Rowley's throw at her. And what we tend to throw at her is family and food!

Saturday morning we all went to another great breakfast joint. And when I say "all" I do mean "all". There were 22 of us. It was so wonderful and so loud having the family together again. Mike was in from Colorado and many of the McLaughlins from Provo and Eastern WA. The Armstrongs represented Central Washington so it was a fully house. After the heaviest breakfast on the planet (if you've been to the Brown Bag, you'll know what I'm talking about), we went en masse to the U of W/BYU game. For any one who missed the game, you really missed a game. What was supposed to have been a blow out became a real nail biter... but then you would expect nothing less of the Cougars! But in the end, victory prevailed (unless you were one of the tens of thousands of Husky fans in the stadium). There was a great contingency of cougar fans and we were loud! I certainly did my part and still have no voice today.

The final blocked Kick. Yikes!

The fun continued back at our place with take out from, of course, Thin Pan. No, it hasn't closed yet. Halleluiah!!!!! It was great food and a wonderful visit. Two of the highlights were cousins Ethan and Henry. These little guys are amazing! They are beautiful and so much fun. Sitting out on the picnic bench with "the girls" gossiping and watching the little ones play was one of those perfect moments that life gives you occasionally. I was having so much fun that I didn't take any photos... shame on me, but Steve did catch this one below of Ethan with his Papa Mike.

The older I get the more I am in awe at how blessed I am in my family. Both the Rowleys and the Beagleys are fun, supportive and more importantly, would walk through fire to help a family member. We are truly blessed. As great as the past couple of weekends have been, we are anticipating one more. Next week, Brian will be speaking in church so the families will be gathering one more time. Thank you to all of you who show us continued love and support.

The Powell Project V

Kelly Giving us a Clinic

The Rowley's have become spoiled.  Each year since 2004, the Nash Family has included us in an annual Lake Powell trip.

Here's a brief rundown on why we keep returning. (why they keep inviting us is another question altogether)

First and foremost, 

The People: The Nash Family and their extended family and friends are the cream o' the crop. They are fun, energetic, positive and hilarious.

The Adventure: Just a few highlights from our years' on the Lake are captured below.

• Nine-year-old Pete sleep-walking right off the 2nd story of HouseBoat.


• Lynn cliff jumping off an enormous (at least  6-foot) cliff to an encouraging choir singing a Pocahantas medley


• SPA Day. 'Nuff Said.


• Two cracked ribs in one week... You gotta' love those crazy High Priests.


• Two VERY memorable bonfires! It's a miracle all fingers and toes are in place

The Beauty.  While I'm not  typically a "desert" person, the immensity of the canyons and the color of the rock and sky are so impressive.  It is the antithesis of Seattle scenery and it is awe inspiring.

The Stories.  It is a week-long gab fest.  It is so fun to get caught up with old friends and new ones, share opinions on books and politics (my apologies to the entire boat, by the way for my leftist leanings), be universally disgusted by the People, Us and Hello magazines that we stood in line to buy (okay, that I stood in line to buy) and laugh and laugh and laugh.

Each trip has truly been a treasure and we thank our gracious hosts and their wonderful friends for another memorable year.

I think they're happy

Steve had a great wakeboard run

Twilight on the Lake

Karen:  Way to Represent!

the ski gods

the whole gang 

the youngun's

good clean fun

this is before the explosion

It's hard to take in he beauty and size of the place

Ski King Was Ready

Water Ballet - am not sure why we weren't in the Olympics

Laura taking down not one, but two strapping young men... at 25 mph