Soccer Star

If you thought Luke loved soccer in the Spring you should have seen him in the Fall.  One day this little guy scored seven goals!  He loved it and took it very serious!  The other kids didn't really pay attention to the score or care who won, but Luke was all over it.  

The first game of the season was a bit stressful because we realized that his shinguards and cleats had been boxed up in the storage unit.  Since you couldn't locate anything in the unit we had to run to a few different stores to find soccer cleats still in stock.  When we finally move out of the storage unit it will be like Christmas all over again!

Mark was a substitute coach for about three games and Luke thought that was pretty cool.  When the game was over Mark would be sweating to death and said he was more tired doing that than his mountain bike ride earlier that day.  

Luke always had lots of support from his grandparents, aunts, uncles, and Brods.  Brody was such a good brother to sit and watch Luke play.  During half time Brody loved going out on the field and kicking the ball around!

All season long Mark told Luke that only the teams that scored a lot of goals would get a medal at the end of the season.  Luke desperately wanted a medal and he worked so hard each game.  After the games he would ask us if we thought they were going to get their medals.  He was so happy to finally get his medal after the last game.  The medal even flashed lights and changed colors.  Luke was thrilled!  All of his hard work had paid off!

New Halloween Clothes

I love buying the boys Halloween shirt and pajamas each year.  By the time fall rolls around I can hardly wait to let them wear their new Halloween clothes.  Mark sometimes thinks it's a little excessive that I buy shirt and pajamas they will only wear a few times but I love it!

This year we got Liam a pair of matching pajamas.  They looked so cute all matching!  It's not easy though getting a picture of these three little boys lately.  It keeps getting harder and harder.  I love and hate this picture of Luke and Brody in their Halloween shirts.  They are both so cute I could eat them up but my little Brody looks so big in this picture!  I just want them to stay this age forever!  They will be a lot of fun this Halloween and I can't wait!!!

First Day of Preschool

I was more worried about sending Luke to his second year of preschool than his first.  This year he was in a brand new neighborhood and didn't know anyone in his class.  Luke comes across as a tough guy but he is actually very sensitive and tender.  He does make friends easy but I still worry about him.  

We were lucky enough to get into Little Scholars Preschool with Miss Debra.  She is just up the street from our lot and that way Luke could meet friends in our neighborhood.  Luke was very shy when we were first got there but he soon warmed up and wasn't sad that I was leaving.  

Miss Debra gave everyone getting to know you boxes to bring on the first day of school.  Luke did a great job decorating his and decided to put his Spinosaurus in it to share with his friends.  When I was little I always got a new backpack each year and I loved it.  I wanted to start this tradition with Luke but dad said it was excessive.  Luckily, Luke found an old backpack of Uncle Tom's and loved it. 

When I picked him up Luke said he had a great first day and loved his class.  He kept telling me about all the cool toys Miss Debra had and how he gets three teachers this year.  I hope Luke has a great year and meets lots of friends!  I sure do love this kid!

Moving Day

I honestly can say that I thought this day would never come.  After our first sell of our house fell through I was sure that we would never sell again.  About a week before I was ready to throw in the towel an offer came through.  It wasn't a great offer but we did lots of negotiating and things worked out!  I was still very nervous about actually packing up our house since we had one failed contract already.

When it looked like things were finally going to go through it was a mad dash to finish.  Since we were going to be storing everything for a while we decided to sell almost all of our furniture.  This was probably the hardest part of the move for me.  I spent hours posting ads on KSL and helping people carry furniture out to their cars.  Once the furniture was gone it was time to pack.  Mark was super busy at work so that left me and the boys.  Luckily, Uncle Mitch and Aunt Rach were a huge help!  They came over a lot and played with the boys or helped me pack.  I couldn't have done it without them!  When they weren't there Luke was complaining about how bored he was and Brody was putting who knows what in boxes.

Living wasn't ideal around our house since we had no furniture and everything was in boxes.  Brody was the only one left with a bed while the rest of us slept on the floor for a couple of weeks.  Eating out for every meal became the new norm.  Our last morning in the house we went to McDonalds to get our breakfast.  When I asked Luke what he wanted to eat he informed me what he was planning on order for his next three breakfasts at McDonalds.  I love that the boys were still positive and had fun!  I love the picture of Brody giving Luke a kiss while they ate their lunch on their stairs.  It's a good thing they had each other throughout this move.  

On moving day our ward was amazing!  We had so many people show up willing to help.  I think the fact that we had plenty of pizza and hardly any furniture made everyone very happy!  Aunt Becca kept Brody entertained while the rest of us moved loaded everything in the truck.  When we arrived at the storage unit my family was there ready to help unload.  I honestly don't know what we would have done without all the help!  We are so blessed with good family and friends.     

A lot of rules went right out the window during the move.  While unloading the last few items at the storage unit Luke asked me if he could ride his bike down the ramp.  I of course responded with a no but Mark said yes.  He had a blast doing it and it's a miracle he didn't break his neck!  We had a hard time finding Luke's shoes the last day and he was left with flip flops.  His poor feet were a disaster.  This move was a lot of work and I don't know if I'm ready to do it in nine months when our house is done.  Hopefully it will all be worth it in the end!

24th of July

The 24th of July in Bountiful is probably one of my most favorite memories growing up.  The parade + carnival + fireworks were the highlight of my summers.  I have tried to make it a priority now with the boys.  The only problem is it has become very popular and crowded.  Getting seats is almost impossible now.  Since Pat and Becca live a block away from Main Street I put Pat in charge of saving our seats this year.  He did a good job and got us good seats.  

The parade was toasty to say the least.  The boys were sweaty and red faced until the sun finally went away.  Luke, Brody, and Liam were in shock when the parade first started but then had a blast when they passed out flags for them to wave.  I love that Luke and Brody sat together in their chairs and just watched the parade.  I think they were too hot to move!  Once it cooled down Luke danced with Emerson and got really into it.

Luke was lucky because our seats were right by an ice cream truck.  Grammy kept buying him these huge popsicles that he would take two licks of and then throw them out.  He was in heaven!

After the parade we hit the carnival and spent way too much money on dumb rides!  The boys kept wanting to go to the fishing pond and loved their treasures.  Luke was determined to go on the train but Brods wasn't so sure.  I was afraid he was going to try and jump off.  Luckily his big brother was there to keep him safe!

We stocked up on glow in the dark wands, necklaces, bracelets, etc. to keep the boys entertained during the fireworks.  Brody was mesmerized by the fireworks and kept pointing at them and yelling.  It was so cute but I don't think our neighbors appreciated it!  

Our daddy had to work late so he didn't make it to anything sadly.  We really missed him and I was exhausted by the end of the night.  I am grateful for my family that really helped me!  The boys had fun so it was all worth it!

Saying Goodbye

Lewie's funeral was perfect in every way that a funeral can be.  I have never attended a more uplifting and testimony building meeting than my nephew's funeral.  I am still amazed by Mitch and Rach.  Words cannot express how much I admire and love them.  It was beyond touching to watch Mitch carry Lewie's coffin around.  He loved his son more than I have ever seen a father love a son before.  Mitch is an amazing uncle and an inspiring father.  You ask any of these cute cousins who their favorite uncle is and they'll tell you Mitch!  He has definitely inspired me to be a better parent.  I cannot wait to watch Mitch become a father again!

It amazed me how much love and thought Mitch and Rach put into Lewie's funeral.  I was touched when I took over the programs for them to see.  They cuddled up on the couch and read through it with happy expressions.  It felt like they were planning a very special birthday party for their little guy.  It broke my heart to see them so excited about their son's funeral programs and all the little details we had planned. 

A few days before the funeral I asked Luke if he could think of a gift to give his cousin Lewie.  He collects Schleich horses and there is one horse they make that looks just like Lewie's Ride.  It's amazing how similar they are.  Zoey had three white stocking feet which is very rare so I think it was meant to be when we found this horse.  Luke gave it to Mitch and Rach the day before the funeral and asked them to put it in the casket with Lewie.  I hope that Luke will always remember that and think of Lewie when he visits Zoey.

The day before the funeral the boys and I were driving in the car, I looked in the back and saw a sad little face.  I asked Luke what was wrong and he replied, "I never got to see my cousin Lewie."  It broke my heart to hear this.  I could tell that he loved his cousin and knew he was gone.  Mitch and Rach couldn't decide if they wanted an open casket or not since poor Lewie had been so swollen.  The morning of the funeral Mitch pulled me aside and asked me to come look at Lewie.  I was amazed and overjoyed to see him so peaceful and sweet.  After the family prayer they asked the grandkids to come say goodbye to Lewie.  Luke just smiled at his sweet cousin.  I am grateful that he was able to finally see Lewie!  

Church is never easy for us and I rarely get much out of it thanks to my boys.  However, this time in this meeting I wanted to focus and listen.  That is why for the first time we charged up the iPad, loaded it with church games, and handed it over to Luke.  Towards the end he started to get tired of the LDS apps and asked if he could play Clash of Clans.  I gave the go ahead...whatever would keep him quiet so I could listen.  Mitch had always planned on speaking at the funeral but at the last minute Rach decided to speak also.  I don't think I could have done it...actually I know I couldn't have because I could hardly give the opening prayer.  They simply amaze me...have I mention that before?!?!  

In Rach's talk she described how she was prepared by her little puppy Hallie.  This was a small trial that was preparing Rach for Lewie.  Obviously nothing can prepare you fully but now Rach can look back and see Hallie as a tender mercy from our Heavenly Father preparing her for what was to come.  I remember she said, "Even though I can't hold my son or dress him in all the cute clothes I have for him I know he is in a better place and where he is supposed to be."  This hurt me so much to hear.  I could not believe that perspective and peace that Rach had.  I don't know if I could have gained that perspective so quickly.  Mitch's talk was very well presented and he reminded me that he definitely has a gift with words.  He helped everyone to see that Lewie lived a full life and completed his mission here on earth.  He described Lewie up in heaven being a valiant missionary and I couldn't help but picture a young man that looked like Mitch serving on the other side.  Mitch conveyed the peace that he felt and how he knew for certain that this was the Lord's plan.  

I wanted something that all the cousins could remember that day with.  The only idea I came up with was releasing balloons.  Mitch talked with Rach and they thought it was a great idea.  I made little tags and delivered them to all the cousins the day before.  They each decorated their tag for Lewie and then tied it to a balloon that morning.  On the front of Luke's tag he drew a picture of him and Lewie holding hands and then attached a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle sticker to the back.  I am sure Lewie loved it!  When they released them at the graveside I was overjoyed to see the happy little expressions on their face as they waved at their balloons sailing up to Lewie.  I hope they will always remember this and think of Lewie when they do. 

 It had been a downpour earlier that morning but quickly cleared away so that Lewie could have a perfect day.  Nothing can replace Lewie but the peace that was felt after his funeral was unmistakeable. I love my nephew and I am so grateful he came into our lives!  For weeks and months after the funeral Luke would still pray for Lewie and nothing else.  He would pray for him to be a good missionary and play nice with the other kids in heaven.  A few times he even prayed for him to have fun playing hide-n-go-seek with Grandpa Waite in heaven.  It's very precious to hear the tender prayers that Luke offers for his cousin.  He will always hold a special place in his heart!

Our Sweet Lewie

 I still can hardly even think about our sweet Lewie without crying.  It still seems like a bad dream that he's really gone.  If you would have asked me two weeks ago or even a week ago I would have said that Lewie was a fighter and he was going to be coming home any day now.  For some unknown reason our little guy took a turn for the worse.  He started swelling and there was no explanation and nothing could be done.  It was agonizing to watch the poor baby suffer.  You knew that we was miserable and fading fast.  I was still very faithful and optimistic.  I would talk about solutions and Mitch would remind me, "Stop fighting Aubrey, we've turned it over to the Lord."  I could tell from Mitch's texts and words that he was somehow at peace.  He wasn't worrying anymore and was relying completely on the Lord.  

The night before Lewie passed I was still fasting and praying.  I couldn't sleep  until strangely at 2:00 am I had the most wonderful feeling of peace come over me.  I finally got some rest and first thing that morning texted my dad to see how our sweet guy was doing.  I was sure I would get some great news and once again our prayers had been answered.  Sadly, my mom replied that they were taking him off the ventilator and I should hurry up to the hospital for the name and blessing.  I quickly threw the boys in the car and rushed up to Primary.  I sobbed the entire way not understanding what was going on.  Lewie was supposed to make it.  

When I arrived at the hospital I hurried and dropped the boys off at daycare and ran to Lewie's room.  I had just missed my nephew's blessing.  I held Mitch and then Rach in my arms and sobbed.  As I hugged my brother and sister in-law I couldn't explain the pain I was feeling for them.  Not wanting to spread germs to precious Lewie I had never dared touch his face before.  This time as I said goodbye to my little nephew I kissed his tender face and rested my cheek on his forehead for the last time.  The love I felt was immense and I didn't want him to suffer any longer.  As I watched Mitch and Rach and looked around the room at our siblings it hurt me to think how young we all were.  Especially Mitch and Rach were too young and innocent to go through something like this.  Watching them say goodbye to their son was the hardest and saddest thing I have ever witnessed.  

I was touched as the doctors came in to do their final assessment.  They were emotional and you could tell they too hurt for Mitch and Rach.  Lewie's number one and favorite nurse Mary was there that day.  It wouldn't have been the same without her.  When I hugged Mary goodbye I couldn't believe how sad I was to not be seeing her on a regular basis and talk to her.  A representative from the hospital came in to give Mitch and Rach a baby blanket as a keepsake.  My mom and I both gasped when we saw the blanket.  It was out of the same rocking horse fabric that Mitch's baby blanket had been made from over twenty years ago.  It was a tender mercy that touched all of us.  

As we were saying our last goodbyes to Lewie Mitch asked me to go get the carseat out of his car.  We had given them our carseat when Brody was done with it.  Mitch had been very protective of it...he didn't want anyone moving it from his car.  For forty-five days it sat there in the car buckled and waiting.  Every time I walked by their car at the hospital and saw it in there I hurt.  It hurt to see it there empty and not being used.  

As we were driving home from the hospital Luke said he was hungry so we pulled over at Dunk N Donuts.  Luke asked why were getting donuts for lunch and I replied, "We deserve donuts today."  While waiting in the drive thru Mitch's final update text came through.

Today Lewie Hyde Waite passed away in his mother and father's arms. Let me tell you though that my testimony in the gospel has never been stronger. I honestly don't know how people go through life and its trials without the gospel. From the moment Lewie was born and we were told that his precious body wasn't whole, I dreaded this day. I broke out in tears just thinking about losing Lewie. I couldn't handle the thought of saying goodbye to Lewie before he could even walk. But, when the moment came, I felt such immense and incomprehensible peace and it is because I underestimated the power of the atonement. Christ's comforting hands are wrapped around us. I feel the comfort and joy because we know where Lewie is and now I know exactly where Rach and I need to be in order to see Lewie again. Elder Kikuchi had given Lewie two blessings to become a valiant missionary. I know on the other side of the veil that he is already receiving his calling and going to work. This challenge has not made us question our beliefs or filled us with anger towards god. In fact it has had the exact opposite effect. Lewie is happy and at peace and more importantly, he has been granted a special place in the upper most echelon of heaven. Thank you for your prayers and your fasts. I think that this experience has brought us all so much closer together.

As I thought about what Mitch had said I realized the feelings I had felt last night.  I believe that I felt peace because Lewie had already gone to heaven and he wasn't suffering anymore.  Lewie knew what his purpose was here on earth.  We were just having a hard time accepting it.  Yes the Lord blessed him and answered our prayers.  We saw miracles time and time again with little Lewie.  There is no doubt in my mind that Lewie had a mission here on earth and he fulfilled it triumphantly.  It amazes me to see the multitudes of people sweet Lewie touched.  Particularly in our own family, we all learned something from him and are much better people because of him.  Even though Lewie only lived 45 days he accomplished great things.  Words cannot express the love I have for my sweet nephew and I cannot wait to see him again!