My Favorite Christmas Gift

Christopher is SO happy, words can't even describe it. We had a wonderful chat with him for 1 1/2 hours and it went so fast! He was able to speak and see all his Baughan cousins, so that was good we were at the Baughan get together last night.
He expressed such sweet feelings with us, and we are so grateful!!!
He sends his love to everyone!
It's been a wonderful weekend! I love being with family... mine and extended, and feel so blessed.
Merry Christmas Everyone!

How could I EVER forget this one!

Our nephew Keaton, has to be one of the sweetest, friendliest young men I know. And he up and surprised his parents on Mother's Day that he was filling out his mission papers!

We were SO excited, because we knew the potential this guy had.

I'm not kidding when I say EVERYONE loves him, because it is true. He has a permanent job at Costco, because he is so great.

He entered the MTC in September to serve in the Philippines, and when our cousin Zach entered, Keaton was his guide!

So here is my Aunt Gypsy dropping off Zach and getting to see Keaton!

He is having a great time, loves the food, and is SO happy!

He told a story in one of his letters, that one house he was in, the lady opened the refridgerator and a cat came out. GROSS!!!!

He has had some very interesting stories, ones that his kids will find very funny!

We love him, and know he is doing great!

I'M BACK ON THE BLOCK...AND READY TO ROCK!

Yes, I am back, and it's been so long, I forgot my password to get in here! SOOOO much has been going on these last few months, or should I say ALL OF THE SUMMER!


I cannot believe it is already time for Thanksgiving and soon Christmas.... and then a drumroll please..... dom dom dom... A WEDDING!




First and foremost, Tyler is getting married! He met Savannah Barker in January and they haven't slowed down yet. We are excited to have her join our family! She is a kind, sweet, smart, beautiful girl, and she LOVES MY SON! Oh yeah, and to make Tyler and even Barry happy(grandchildren)... she a freakin athletic machine!


They became friends, and then started dating. She almost went to BYU, but decided to stay here and get her degree in middle school education.


They are getting married December 31st in the Raleigh Temple, and we will bring the New Year in with a BANG!


So we are pretty much in wedding mode around here. Thanks to her super organized mother, who loves a good party, it has been a VERY easy ride for me!


But the wedding dress fittings, and deciding my part of things has been fun.



In May, Christopher came home from Guadalajara for a little 6 month visit. He just wasn't quite ready to go out. BUT, he leaves this Monday, the 28th to go back to Guadalajara! Bless the heart of his wonderful mission president, who wanted him to come back there so much, he had Christopher go renew his FM3, which allowed him back into the country, so he didn't have to wait another 5 months for a visa, OR go to a different mission. He is going right where he needs to be.

It has been a wonderful experience for us to have him home. He has a light around him that I have watched progress. It has truly been a blessing for us to have him come home.
It wasn't easy, and I am so grateful to so many that have kept him in their prayers, and have been so kind to him. We received phone calls, emails, and cards from family and friends and throughout the entire time, because of these things I have been at peace.


I am so VERY grateful to my Heavenly Father, who is very mindful of us and of our hearts.

I am very proud of Christopher, who knew he needed to do what is right, when he could have just stayed and would have not been ready to give his all.

He is blessed to have a wonderful mission president, who when all is said and done, gets to decide if he wanted him to come back to his mission, and he did, and is full of compliments of Christopher.


So for the second time... my heart will be ripped out. But I am excited to see what is in store for him.



We have had missionaries leave and missionaries come home. Our nephew Jordan left for Peru in August, and he is having a great time, and I'm sure being the best missionary Peru has ever seen! As well as Zach, our nephew is in Japan now. I think last time I posted he was still in the MTC. He too, being the best Japan has ever seen (hope my boss doesn't read this... he went to Japan :))!

And our cousin Zach Baughan is heading to Paris France! Exciting times and lots of prayers for these guys!

Our nephew Matthew came home from Tucsan Arizona with honor, and a HUGE smile as always, and it is so good to have him back with us, only to see him go back to BYU in the winter.

Our cousin Derek Baughan came home from Uruguay with honor, and SKINNY! But it was so good to see him and hear about his time there.

Derek and Zach Baughan

WHEW.... So much to write about, and so little time!

And of course, how could not mention a our new addition... Mr. Jeff Hunt!

Aunt Leslie got married!

She and Jeff started dating early this year, and he just fits right in. We are so happy for the both of them, and hope they will have alot of happy years ahead!

These are just the highlights, I will TRY to be better at this, because there is so much more to come!

***I wrote this post earlier in the week, and I am just getting it posted. Thank you to everyone who has been so supportive of Christopher. He leaves tomorrow, and he appreciates so much the phone calls, and love he has received from everyone, especially tonight.

His Stake President (which is his uncle), set him apart, and it was a very moving, sweet time for all of us. The bond between Christopher and his uncle Joey has been a very special, loving one. I am so grateful for all the love we surrounding us.

Christopher updates...

I'm a terrible blogger.... PERIOD.
I will try to do better!
We are receiving great letters from Christopher and loving it! He is happy!

He is in a "pilot program" which one of the Elders in our ward told us about before Chris left.
They are basically changing the way they teach and they are starting with the MTC. Some districts in the MTC I hear. Anyway, Christopher is in that group. Which from what I understand will begin in May for all of the missions around the world.

He says because of this he was put on calls the second week of being there with Spanish speaking people. So, needless to say, he has had to learn really quick the language. He said in his last letter that he can communicate pretty well and he contributes it to this pilot program.

So at least he is feeling alittle easy about the language.

He doesn't say too much else about things other than showing his gratitude and reminding us of his love.
My kids are so dang private! Every letter we get he adds, don't share this... and it is something REALLY sweet and touching. But we understand, and so we don't share. But just know that he is doing great, he is learning and growing and having fun! Of course he is... he always does :).

And I am glad that he can have some fun while he is working so hard.

My nephew Kyle bumped into him after Chris did his temple session at 6:30 AM Monday.
And went and got Chris and Elder Jones(he was on splits) McDonalds for breakfast.
So thank you Kyle for taking care of your cousin! He looks very happy, and sleepy in the pictures.

Now for even greater news. You may remember from Tyler's mission this family...

Hermana Lilia who took such wonderful care of Tyler in Veracruz? This is one of the families that Tyler still talks with and just found out that the young man (beside Tyler) is heading to the Mexico MTC this week. And will enter the Guadalajara East Mission.... on you guessed it, March 28th!!!!!

Now if we can get Christopher's Visa and get him there then too! What an incredibly small world this is! Tyler is SO excited! Tyler used to go on splits with Johan, and wouldn't it be sweet if someday Christopher and him would be companions, or at least go on splits together too.

He's Doing Great!

I have yet to receive any pictures from Christopher... BUT he is a really good letter writer!
I have received more handwritten letters in 3 weeks than I ever thought I would.
He loves his district. He says they have fun while they are learning. He really likes one group, but they are leaving in a couple of weeks.
He said the language is coming along. He is trying not to get frustrated. Which I am sure is easy to do.
We got a note and he was told that they have "completely stopped giving visas to Mexico". We are not sure what this means, but we were pretty sure he wouldn't leave when he was supposed to anyway. So many countries are having visa issues.
So we will see. He may go to Wisconsin like the dream I had afterall :)!

Thanks for the prayers and the letters to him. He loves all the support and appreciates it.
So do we!

Time to catch up!

So much to catch up on. Finally got some pictures downloaded so I will start at the beginning... and it has been awhile!
Early December, Barry had a business trip to Chattanooga... now for those of you that don't know, I LOVE Tennessee! I love Gatlinburg, I love Knoxville, and now I love Chattanooga! What a cute city. So when he said he was driving not flying, I said...I'm there!
Dumb me didn't take a picture of the actual Chattanooga Choo-Choo, but it was very quaint.
But as I try to do in whatever city I am in, I went to antique stores... and I hit the mother-load!
I LOVE going and looking at old things and love thinking about how people must have lived with these items.
So I did have my camera so I took pictures of fun things.

This looks like my Aunt Helen... and this lady had one rockin wardrobe.
REALLY?Now, I'm not racist, prejudice or against an Asian Navitity...but this was a first for me.
My Grandma had a tree just like this green one, and I have sweet memories sitting in her front room playing with the lights. She was the holiday decorating queen! Love thinking about the lady that served her family with the fancy silver.

Now on to Christmas...
Always fun times with the Baughan and Page families!
Here are just a few pictures.

Oh those funny, funny grandkids. Giving G'pa a whip...
Aunt Leslie doing what she does best...loving on little David.

Best buddies, Abby and Cameron

Jordan, Zach and Christopher

My babies.

All 19(20 with Kate) of the Baughan cousins together finally, and it could be years before we have them all together again.Aunt Marcia got Christopher this so he wouldn't forget his Nana while in Mexico.His reaction..."there will be no question that I have a girl waiting back home".

Cousins

Chris,Kate,Nana and Keaton

Austin, Chris and Keaton...something from a tv show.

Kasey, Kyle and Tyler...the three oldest.

Laura LOVES her Pop-Pop.

.
Christopher's farewell.
January 16th was Christopher's farewell. We have such great supportive families.. we are blessed. Here are a few pictures from that day... of course I didn't get any with the Baughan family, but I did at the airport.
He left on the 23rd, entered the MTC on the 26th.
I can report from a very sweet letter I received... HE IS HAPPY!!!
He really likes his companion. There are 4 going to Guadalajara from his district, and he likes everyone of them.
Elder Willett from Arizona is his companion. He said he loves seeing his cousin Zach... and it gives him comfort. He is learning and actually enjoying it.
His branch president went to Guadalajara and he says he really pumped him up for going there.
SO GRATEFUL!
I miss him like crazy, but so happy he is where he wants to be, and that is the great thing... he is where HE wants to be.
Much more to come....

Now this is three peas in a pod... don't even get them laughing!
Uncle Chris, Andrew and Eli saying goodbye.
Lynn, Carla, Carson, Kalen, and Norah
Grandma and Grandpa Page
Aunt Leslie, Brandon and Will
Uncle Joey, Aunt Marcia, Kristian, Kenley, Karter, and Kade
Christopher loves his Grandma!
And his Aunt Leslie
Pop Pop and Nana Baughan

Chris and his best friends. They are the greatest most supportive friends and I am so grateful for them all!

My boys.

US

SO very typical.

Getting set apart by his Uncle Joey.

"the blanket" Barry had it in Honduras on his mission, Tyler had it in Mexico and now Chris takes it to Mexico.... Cameron will take it where?....

Uncle Steve, Aunt Lisa, Abby, Zach and Tory say goodbye!

A few days before Christopher left we had so much to get done we took off for the outlets and the mall to finish up. Barry's freshman year roomate was in Chapel Hill for business and they were meeting for dinner. Lucky for us we all went down and spent the day, visited with Dallin(Jaclyn had to work :(. ) And had dinner with Steve. What a nice guy!

It was so fun hearing stories from their freshman year... from Steve, not Barry!

Barry has always said that he could not have had a better roommate. That Steve was so kind. I am so glad I finally got to meet him.

Sunday Spotlight....and MUCH More to Come!

First, I am sitting in a hotel right now with my boys Barry and Christopher and FINALLY able to blog!
I have SO much to update, but can't download pictures here, OR because my battery was dead, I could not document some of it... I am not a photographer AT ALL!

We have been so busy with getting Christopher ready, and everyday life. I am trying to just take it in and spend all the time I can with him.
We had a special night at the Temple, and I loved his humility, and his willingness to learn in the process up to going. His Nana was his Temple Prep teacher... lucky guy!
This is when my camera broke. So no pictures, but he was very sweet being there with both Tyler and Chris.

We are in Washington DC now and heading out tomorrow to take in as many museums that we can in one day... but the Spy Museum is top priority.

Barry likes to spend one on one with them before they go. They get to choose the place. Tyler went to Vegas for the a basketball tournament that Carolina was in. Christopher loves museums and has always wanted to go to the Spy Museum, and wanted me to go to! YAY ME!

I WILL update with pictures later... I charged the camera :)

Much more to come, even from our Christmas season... that is how behind I am!




Now for our Sunday Spotlight.... It is Miss Abby Page!

LOVE this girl!

Abby is 16, and as you can see such a DOLL! She is the fourth child and only daughter of Barry's brother Steve, and his wife Lisa. She is one of Cameron's best buddies, and when those two are together they will get on the four-wheeler, or golf cart and just ride around forever and laugh the entire time! It is fun to watch them together.

Abby is a junior in high school, and is so smart, and talented, especially in art!
She is a prima ballerina and is a Facebook PRO!
Her plans are to go to BYU, but I really don't know what she wants to study. I will have to find that out!

Abby has always been so special and such a little doll. I knew she would grow up to become such a beautiful outstanding young lady.

We love you Abby!!!

A Very Special Sunday Spotlight.

Scanner problems...will post picture soon :)


Now that I can resume to blog again (VERY crazy month)... we didn't take a name out of the family name jar. This Sunday WE chose it.
On Saturday December 11th we lost a very important family member.
Barry's Grandma. Lucy Priscilla Page Page(now that is one rockin name!)
SO VERY many wonderful things to say about this special lady, I don't really even know where to begin.

For Barry, tons of memories of beach trips, Sunday afternoons at her house, front porch swing, Almond Joy candy bars...he said for years everytime he would see one in a store he would think of her.
Spending the night at her house and fixing breakfast for them and eating on a tray in front of the wood stove(the HOT infamous wood stove!)
Her wonderful cooking.
How she treated our little family and welcomed us everytime in her home.

For me, she gave me my love affair with iced tea (calm down Mormons...I only drink it when I get the flu).
We moved 5 houses down from Her and Grandpa when Tyler was 16 months old. One time I got really sick and had three little kids and could not keep anything down. Grandma had Grandpa bring me a gallon of iced tea... and BAM there it started. It is the only thing that I could keep down, AND gets me better every time...MAGIC.

Living so close, I became close to the both of them. They were both like my own. I would see them almost everyday.
She LOVED to take care of EVERYONE. She loved her children and grandchildren. She would always make sure you were fed, or at least had a drink when you were there.
She was a wonderful cook, and baked and "fried" like nobody's business!
She always had special treats for the great-grandchildren, and loved holding them as babies and was always so sweet to them.

One of my favorite memories with her is one day I walked down with the kids and we were on the porch swing and we were talking about her son Dale, who passed away 40 years ago(he was 19yrs. old.) She asked me that day "Do you think I will see him again".
I answered her that yes you will and we had a little talk about that. I couldn't help but think of that sweet reunion not only with Grandpa, but especially with Dale when she passed away.

Barry and I were able to be with her as she passed away and it was one of the sweetest experiences we have ever experienced in our lives.
Not knowing what to expect, the sweetness in that room was not what I expected.

Barry's Aunt Shirley and his dad had been with her, and for 10 years have taken exceptional care of her. I am so grateful for the tender care they gave her.

Lindsey told her he loved her, he told her she has been a "good mama' and they loved her, and with a tear in her eye, she took her last breath.
SO VERY SWEET!

You see this is a person that lived to serve her family. She ALWAYS did for someone other then herself. And I personally feel she didn't want to leave her children, as much as she wanted to be with her sweetheart. It took her child to tell her it was okay to go.

NEVER will I forget this night. NEVER!

Marriages would be better, relationships would be better if everyone lived like G'ma and G'pa Page lived and loved. They both were selfless, and caring, and would put others before themselves.

I am SO grateful that they were a big part of my life too.

We love you Grandma Lucy! Thanks for your wonderful life and the wonderful memories you gave us all!

Sunday Spotlight.... PRECIOUS BABY TYLER!

This week we spotlight Tyler Elizabeth Baughan. She is the fifth child and only daughter of my brother Jonathan and his wife Lisa.
I call her "Tyler Too"... NOT Tyler #2! (Even though my Tyler is #1). She was born precious! She has quite the personality too. She is a talker and so happy! Her brothers ADORE her. She adores them as well.
She is such a good little gymnast that the owners of the gymnastics place where she went told them that she was born for it. She was a natural. Unfortunately, the gym was bought out by some Chinese owners and they pushed her so hard it was no fun...she is only 5! So they took her out.

There is always happiness around when Tyler is around! We love you Ty-Ty!!!




As promised, Dallin and Jaclyn's wedding pictures, or at least some. I haven't seen any from the beautiful reception, but hopefully soon!

It was such a nice weekend. We had a really nice dinner on Thanksgiving in Charlotte, went to Columbia and they were married Friday morning. Although raining and windy, there was alot of love and ALOT of smiles from those two!
Saturday we went to Concord for the reception and had fun being with family.
We are SO happy for those two!


Today I feel extremely grateful... I am grateful for another day on this earth, another day to be a mother, and wife, and grateful for a protection that I will never take for granted. Barry and I are blessed.

And just so you know, if you dent a guardrail in the state of NC... you have to pay for it... NOT a good weekend :)