The "Christ" in Christmas!

Vance!!!
"Brogie-Bear"!

"Grey-Bee Baby"!!!

Christmas weekend is over and I have to say it was a weekend to remember!

It was much lower key than it ever has been but.... it will be a memorable one for Tom and I!

I have been so so busy for the last month and a half trying to get Rhett or Anziano Scheurn ready to report to the MTC on the 15th of December and... doing all my Christmas shopping as well! So by the time Rhett left I was so tired that I felt sure Christmas must be over! BUT...It wasn't!

Of course Tom and I had some last minute shopping Christmas eve! Every year when I say I am done with my shopping for some reason I end up shopping for a few more gifts the few days before Christmas!! Thank goodness Tom and I kind of team tags the last little bit of shopping!

We had a nice Christmas eve, we took Walker and Brittany out for dinner to the Outback!It was fun we saw Joe and Erin and their kids there as well! We then ran by Walmart and headed home!

Christmas morning around ten Blake, Joe and their families, my mom and Ralph and Walker all came over for Breakfast! Tom made his famous pancakes and I made the bacon and it was as always "Fabu and Delish"

Tom had bought a new trampoline and so all the boys decided to put it together! That is when....Things got a little stressful! With all the grand kids picking up screws and then the horse got loose and we all had to go chance her and then.... Allot of time went by and the kids started getting hungry again and... Gwenie girl did not feel good so.... by the time the trampoline was done everyone was ready to go home and get some rest!

Blake and his family went home to relax and Joe and Erin went to her sisters house for dinner and Walker just stayed at our house and Brittany came over to visit with him! All though we did not get to visit to much with them because Walker had to take a nap because he had to be to work at 10:00 pm! So he rested for most of the day! I knew Tom and Walker would be hungry for dinner so I made tacos for Tom, Walker and I and the three of us set at the breakfast bar and had a quiet taco dinner complete with bottle coke and bottle root beer! It tasted so good!

Walker left for work and Tom and I had a nice evening together and watch a few TV shows we had recorded and hit the "HAY"!

This morning Walker was speaking in church so Tom and I went to listen to him speak! As always he did a great job and yes I learned so much from his talk! I actually asked him if I could copy his talk! I was so proud of him!

I thought my camera was charged BUT... it was not so I did not get any pictures except from my phone of Walker and Tom this morning and... I missed Posey so much this year at Christmas so I asked her to send me some pictures so I could post some of her Christmas with her CUTE boys on my blog!

Again I am so thankful for our Savior and for what he has done for ALL of us! As Tom and I talked last night about this Christmas and listened to the news....We heard stories of people serving those who do not have money for a Christmas dinner or the people that cook big meals and took them to police stations around the Valley and talking to Monya how there Christmas tradition every year on Christmas, they eat there Christmas dinner at Filberto's....

Tom and I really thought about what is the most important at Christmas time! I think next year Tom and I have decided to do a few things differently! Maybe we will start some new traditions some that I should of started many many years ago!I loved when Walker and I were talking Christmas Eve and we were saying how instead of saying "Merry Christmas" all through the Christmas season.... People say "Happy Holidays"! So I said to Walker .... I guess I should try to be more correct and say to people "Happy Holidays"! Walker said to me in a firm voice...."Mom don't ever take Christ out of Christmas"!

WALKER YOU ARE RIGHT.... I will always say "Merry CHRISTmas" for ever and... I will always think of Walker when I say it! What we learn from our kids!!! Walker I love you and your standards! We learned many things from your talk this morning and from the visit we had on Christmas Eve! We are so proud of you!!!

Anziano!

So nice Santa and Mrs. Clause came to visit Rhett two nights before he left to the MTC!!

It is Christmas Eve and it is the first Christmas in almost 34 years we do not have any children at home AND.... I am not going to be up ALL night long wrapping Christmas presents and Santa has no stockings to stuff by the chimney! In fact there are no stockings and no chimney ! Santa has come and left.
Rhett is in the Mission Training Center so I am sure Santa will find him with no problem and... his companions! All though Santa did come and visit Rhett on the Monday night before Rhett left on Wednesday, to the M.T.C.!
So try to follow along with this story! Jami signed me up with a missionary mom group. Not all moms are in this group but... If you are in this group you get put in the group of moms where your son or daughter is serving. In Italy there are only two missions, the Rome Mission and the Milan Mission. This group is nice because some moms have questions about where to buy things or maybe what they should buy when their son or daughter get to Italy. Some moms connect because they find out that their son might be serving with another moms son's in the group. Sometimes you find out that some ones child is serving with your child and they are from the same town you are! Anyway you get the idea any question can be asked or any letter written and when you send it it goes to ALL the moms on the list that has a son or daughter either preparing to serve or are serving in Italy!
As I would read some of these letter prior to Rhett leaving I noticed that there were three or four missionaries FROM UTAH with the first name of ANZIANO!! I told Tom people in UTAH are weird they name their kid ANZIANO. I told Tom also "Of course those boys are going to be called to Italy because of their first name is ANZIANO"! Tom reassured me that is not the reason why these boys were called to Italy
Well the first email we get from Rhett he said his companions name is Elder Smith or ANZIANO Smith! Right then in there my heart just sunk when I realized...ANZIANO means Elder in Italian! I felt so bad that I thought people in Utah are weird for naming their son ANZIANO!! So sorry for thinking Utah members are weird!
I am so thankful for my Savior always but at this time of year it is wonderful to think about the true meaning of Christmas and what is really important. This quiet evening has be a chance for Tom and I to visit and reflect on the last year and to talk about things we would like to do in the up coming year! We are thankful for ALL of our kids and there spouse and we are thankful for our grand children and we LOVE each and everyone!
We are especially thankful for ANZIANO Scheurn! we are thankful for his choice to serve a mission! His letters he has sent home have been wonderful and he seems so happy! Again we are thankful for that!! We pray for all of our children and grand children but... we pray a little extra for ANZIANO Scheurn that he will surrender him self to his Heavenly Father and work as hard as he can and sprint to the end of his mission! In the letter I sent him today I told him that he is now "Enlisted until the conflict is over.... Happy are you"! I also told him to "Keep his foundation firm" because ANZIANO you have been "Called to Serve"!!
Merry Christmas to ALL!

And to ALL a good night!

"A Christmas Poem"

Rhett's Empty room and closet!

"A Missionary Christmas"

I skipped the sales after Thanksgiving, the thrill just wasn't there.

No pictures taken with Santa Clause, My decorations had no flair.

His presents are shoes, shirts and ties, two suits and socks... no fun.

Iv' bought him all white clothing because....

This year I am giving Christ my son!

Iv'e spent more time in the Temple, my testimony stirred,

Iv'e read November Ensign, felt strength come from HIS words.

Our family prays more frequently, my tears are quick to run.

Abraham seems closer because....This year I give Christ my son!

I wonder how those Lamanite mothers, gave their sons to war?

Or how the Pioneers chose Zion, their sacrifice was so much more!

My loss will be his presence, I'll miss his smile a ton,

For two years we will pray for him...I'm giving Christ my son!

I stare at his face when he's not looking, I memorized his eyes, their shine.

He always hungered for the part of HIM, that makes his soul divine.

The stories and lessons he has always heard, his choice and mine are one.

I'll put my faith in Gods hands....This year, I am giving Christ my son!

Past gifts have lost their glitter;

I think I finally understand Christ's birth, should be celebrated by giving HIM a hand.

It's because I know Christ lives and reigns that all his packing's done.

My gift has taken years to make....This year... I'm giving Christ my son!

I know there's one who understands, the sacrifice I'm making.

Who knows the gift I willingly give., the toll it will be taking.

For HE has done it all before, GREATER love-there could be no more.

For years ago God gave to me, HIS only begotten Son!

The hands I washed, the hands I held, the hands I taught to pray;

Now knock on doors to find the ones who will listen to what he'll say.

Because I know Christ needs him, until all the gatherings done....

My gift has taken years to make....

This year... I am giving Christ my son!

Time to say "Ciao"! (Chow)

Pops final good bye!

The Best of cousins!!!

Walker saying goog bye!

Rhett's best friend!

Rhett's Aunt Jami!

Cita!!! Rhett's Grandma!

A PROUD Tom Scheurn!

Walker is so proud of his brother!

Joe, Erin, Emma, Noah and Gwenie!

Blake and Tanya!

Gavin will miss Uncle Rhett

We are only missing Vance, Brogan and Grey-Bee Baby!

Which one is the Missionary!!!

Opening a few Christmas Gifts!

Cheers!!!!!

CHEERS!!!!!!!

A little toast between Walker and Brittany!

Family Picture! We had to have Posey with us some way!!!!!

President Andersen!

A Proud little brother and a proud Pops!

We all missed Posey! Proud Brothers!

Sushi Night!

This post is a post I have been excited to share, BUT... also a post I have dreaded as well!

How can you feel both happy, excited yet.... sadness,and some fear at the same time?

If you want to understand what I am saying.... Send a Missionary off for two years

This post really started last night!

Rhett really wanted to have some good sushi before he left so... Since Rhett would be gone for two years Pops of course honored his request and we went to Rhett's favorite sushi restaurant! It was "DELISH"!

We all then came home and everyone change into their church clothes and waited for President Andersen to come over to set Rhett apart as a full time missionary! This was sweet sacred time, a night I will never forget! I remember so well when Joe and Walker were set apart and it is something parents never forget!

The only thing that would of made this night completly perfect would of been if Posey and Ben could of come to share this night with Rhett! I missed Posey so much that I had to go get a picture of her and add it to our pictures we took through out the night! I could of used her support with all of the boys! Posey I miss you!

Prior to the blessing and setting apart,President Andersen spoke to all of us! The spirit in the room was sweet and tender! After the blessing Rhett shared his testimony. I think he was a little over whelmed but he spoke from his heart and it was wonderful to listen to "Elder Scheurn! Rhett looked so handsome!

After President Andersen left we all grabbed a bottle of IBC root beer and celebrated! It was cheers to Elder Scheurn!

We opened a few gifts and enjoyed our last night with Elder Scheurn!

Everyone left but Walker and before I knew it I was sitting on the sofa wondering where everyone went! I then realized that Walker had gone back to Rhett's room for a heart to heart talk. I know it was very emotional for Rhett as he shared some of his worries and concerns. When Walker left I went back to Rhett's room and he was siting on the side of his bed with tears flooding his cheeks! Rhett said he was a bit scared but yet he knew this is what he wanted to do! I told him if he was NOT a little scared I would be worried about him! We shared some one on one time and then I told Rhett I would make him a nice bed on the sofa in my room so he could come in our room and stay and visit with Tom and I all night if he wanted to! I talked him into coming into our room and we visited some more! It was one in the morning by this time and the alarm was set for 5:45 am and it came quick!

Tom, Rhett and I got ready packed the luggage in the car and we were off to the airport. We got checked in and headed up toward the gate! When we got to the area where he would go through security Joe and his family, Blake and his family and Mom and Ralph were waiting for Rhett!

Not long after Jami,Myles and Forrest arrived! Then not to long after that Heath, Rain and Ivan came to say good bye as well!

There were many tears, hugs, kisses, good bye and pictures as Elder Scheurn was saying his final Good Bye! Everyone gave a last kiss and hug to Elder Scheurn as tears were streaming down every one's faces! I then walked with Elder Scheurn all the way through the security line and when it was his turn to give his I.D. and ticket I gave Elder Shceurn A HUGE HUG AND KISS not just once but maybe five times!! I did not want to let go! THIS IS MY BABY!! I am sure the huge long line of people that were waiting were wondering why the line was not moving!!! I really did not care at this point! I just did not want to let go! It was a blessing I was able to have the last few minutes alone with my PRECIOUS Elder!!! I then stood a little ways back and watched him walk away until I could no longer see him!! Needless to say at this point I was a mess!

As Tom and I walked to our car there was not a lot said! I feel sure Tom knew that he could say nothing to make me feel better at this point! Nor could I say anything to him to help him feel better! It was a some what quiet ride home!

On the way home Tom and I stopped by Walmart to pick up a few more things I needed to put in Elder Scheurn's Christmas boxes and we returned home!

I was trying to finish Elder Scheurn's Christmas boxes and Tom saw me struggling and so he helped me pack up the boxes as I finished wrapping a few things! We got the boxes put together and Tom went to the Post office to mail them! Tom is amazing and knew how hard the day would be for me so he took the whole day off! That is love!! We finished cleaning out Rhett's room and bathroom! It was so nice to have all the help and support Tom gave me ALL day! BY THE WAY... I LOVE TOM SCHEURN and would not know what to do without him!!

I know that it was Rhett's choice to serve a mission! I know if he looks at him self the way his Heavenly Father looks at him.... He will be so happy and this will be the best two years of his life!!

ELDER SCHEURN.... I LOVE YOU and I AM SO PROUD OF YOU!! I WILL CARRY A CONSTANT PRAYER IN MY HEART for you!!!! I WILL MISS YOU! Two years is nothing compared to the Eternities we have together!! Work hard and SPRINT to the end and I will be there waiting!

CHOW!!!!

The Count Down!

The Sunday Rhett spoke in church!
At the end of the night on Monday we were finishing up cleaning and turning out the lights and.... Tom and Rhett decided to see who had the biggest "Beach Balls" (family joke)

Rhett has wrestled the last 3 years with "Kansas"!

President Pugmire!

Conner Johnson! LONG Friends!

David and Jami and their boys!

Gwenie!

Gannon Conway still trying to get Rhett's watch!

Some more close friends!

Good Friends!

Monya and Eric! Dear Friends! Rhett since he was been a little boy has promised Monya this day!

Mr. and Mrs Clause came early to visit Rhett! We LOVE them!!!

When Rhett had a month to go before he left on his mission.... I kept telling my self "I just can't believe he only has a month before he reports to the Mission Training Center"! I was so stressed with that thought! But I said what am I going to do and how am I going to feel when Rhett only has a week before he leaves! I can say I felt MORE stressed! Then the thought came to me what will I do when Rhett only has 24 hours left before Rhett leaves! Well now that time has come and I feel peace and happiness BUT... Also the reality has hit and as happy as I am for him... I have to say that there is a big part of me that is very emotional!! It truly is the happiest sad for me!

We have been very busy preparing for Rhett to leave so I have not had a lot of time to think about this day! But as I think about Rhett I just can't quit thinking this is my baby! He can not be old enough to serve a mission! WHAT AM I GOING TO DO WITHOUT HIM????

Tom and Rhett both spoke in church on Sunday. Tom had a difficult time as he spoke. He was over come by emotions many times in his talk. The spirit was strong as he spoke. When Tom was done Blake played a BEAUTIFUL missionary medley on the piano. I was doing fine until I looked up to see Tom and Rhett sitting on the stand just completely over come with the spirit! Both Ton and Rhett just sat with their heads down with STREAMS of tear rolling down their cheeks! It is so hard to deny the spirit!

When Blake was done playing Rhett stepped up to the pulpit with his new black suit looking SO HANDSOME... and a FULL heart and still wiping tears away.... Rhett calmly looked up and said... "Well that was okay"! Everyone chuckled but it was so cute!

Rhett was asked to talk about, how the Aaronic Priesthood and how it prepares you for a mission! I was worried Rhett would only speak for five minutes but he spoke for a good 25 minutes and as he spoke the words and scriptures just rolled out of his mouth! Rhett spoke with such authority! He explained how the Aaronic priesthood was kind of like he practising for wrestling and football and the games and wresting tournaments were like receiving the Melchizedek Priesthood! Rhett spoke of his Temple experience and so many other things! But I do have to go back and say... you would think that giving speeches was his job! He looked out to the congregation and he did not seem uneasy or scared at all! Again his talk was BEAUTIFUL! I kept thinking if he speaks this well now...I can't wait until he returns home and speaks! I was so proud of him he did an amazing job!

We then had some of Rhett's cousins and a few others over for soft tacos! We enjoyed the time we all had with him!

Rhett has been trying to squeeze in so many things before he leaves! The movies and bowling with his dad spending time with his brothers and texting and talking to Posey over the phone, and friends pretty much 24/7 !!!

On Monday night we had a open house for Rhett so anyone that wanted to come over to say their last good-byes to him could do that and visit and have some cookies and milk! It was a very nice evening! There were maybe fifty or so people who came over as you can see in the pictures! Much to my surprise Santa and Mrs, Clause came over as well! That was a treat Santa came a little early for Rhett!!

So back to the count down... I am just not sure I can do this! As a mom I just want to put my motherly claws out and continue to watch and protect him! But I know Heavenly Father can watch Rhett better than I can so I know I just have to try to have some faith and know all will be well!

Elder Nolan Rhett Scheurn... Your mom LOVES you more than words can say! I am so PROUD of you and so happy for you! Serve with ALL you have! Rhett know I will carry a prayer in my heart for you every minute while you are gone! I WILL MISS YOU SO MUCH! But I do know you if you surrender all you have to the Lord you will be blessed not just here but in the Eternities! Remember it is all about the Eternities my PRECIOUS son! Again I LOVE YOU!!