Tyler's Court of Honor

 

 

The Stake Young Men's Presidency presented an eagle neckerchief with Tyler's name on it.

 

Tyler, Every time you look at this clock,  remember the TIME you spent in scouting.  The good TIMEs and difficult TIMEs,  and even those TIME you really didn't love the scout master.   Remember the TIME of accomplishment and that you have done hard things.  It hasn't been easy.  Also as you look at this clock,  remember that the Scout Law (Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean and Reverent) as well as the Scout Moto (On my honor I will do my best... to do my duty to God and my country, to help other people at all times and to obey the scout law to keep myself physically fit, mentally awake and morally straight....) are TIMEless.  Being Trustworthy Loyal, Helpful...and doing your best etc. , now are just as important as it will be in 50 years.  Those values will never run out of batteries...they are constant throughout time.

Scout master minute and very proud Dad!

 

Tyler expressed his thanks to everyone who was there, and to all those who helped him get this far.  He also talked about his Eagle Scout project of making the 100 100bead abacus's for the school district.

 

 We appreciate so much support for Tyler tonight, and for all those who have been a part of his scouting experience.

Our Eagle Scout

Tyler just completed his Eagle Scout Board of Review. His hard work and dilligence has payed off. He's an Eagle Scout. He thought this day would never come...   

 

 

But we knew it would, with persistance. 

Great Job Tyler (and Dad)

 

We will be having his Eagle Scout Court of Honor hopefully on November 4th. 

There's more Scout pictures to follow!

Tender Mercies and Divine Signatures

"Sometimes the Lord sends His blessings in such a highly unusual, dramatic, or precisely timed manner, that it's as if the Lord 'signs' the blessing personally so we know with certainty it came from Him"   

(Gerald R Lund). 

I have been the recipient of such a blessing,  tender mercies with Divine Signatures.

 

I’ve had quite a month, but yet have been very blessed. First of all my endometriosis pain has intensified. After the worst summer of my life as far as my health is concerned, and several tests and doctor appointments,  I am heading in for a partial hysterectomy tomorrow…Tuesday Sept 18^th .  I am not looking forward to this, I am on the opposite end of the scale--TERRIFIED!  I cry every time I think about it.   I’ll be  hopefully adjusting to my “new normal” quickly and that my family wont put me by the mail box with a ‘one way sticker to Mongolia and do not return to sender’ on my forehead. 

 

In spite of my pain- (which has been so bad on occasion, I thought I was dying), I have been so incredibly blessed this month!  I knew all summer that I would not be returning to my job at West Bountiful Elementary, but really didn’t want to quit before I had a back-up plan.  I had been checking the job boards every day, and had applied for several positions, all of which had that wonderful rejection letter that came after I applied.  I was starting to get concerned, because I knew that school was going to be starting and I had to give my notice.  Still not knowing what I was going to do, I finally gave my resignation on Monday, two weeks before school started.  That next Friday, my former boss from L3 Communications called me out of the blue, to see if there was any chance I would be able to come fill in for his secretary who was going to be gone on vacation the following week.  They were having an audit, and he needed someone who “knew the business”.  I replied that it had been a long time--14 years, and I’m sure things have certainly changed…but I was THRILLED to go back and work with him –even if it was just for 1 week. 

(Let me back track for a minute…this is the boss (Wendell) I worked for before Tyler was born and I really enjoyed working with him.  About 7 years ago, he called to see if I was interested in returning to work to support him and the president of the company.  I turned him down, knowing I wanted and needed to be home.  This past June, I heard through the grapevine, about the position that was open for his secretary – the job I had 14 years ago.  I was so very sad that I wouldn’t be able to take that job.  It was the 1^st day of summer vacation, and I knew I didn't want to leave Tyler home alone, all day, all summer long.  Back in June, with a very depressed heart, I sent Wendell the e-mail stating that if my circumstances were different, I would certainly be 1^st on the list to be interviewed.  I felt I would never get that opportunity to work for him again.  He responded with an e-mail that he admired my decision and supports me in my desire to be home. He had mentioned that someone was going to be transferred from within to fill this position.   I didn’t think any more about that opportunity.  I knew it wasn’t for me at that time, however, maybe sometime in the future.)

 

Then  Friday (4 days after I quit my job) Wendell called me…out of the blue.  Because I was feeling so terrible, I was home on a Friday afternoon to receive the call. If I would have felt better, I’m sure I would have been in Preston while Bryce was going to be on a scout camp. If I would have been gone...I would have missed the phone call. Can pain be a tender mercy?  I believe it was -- so I would be home to receive that call.   Fortunately it was near the end of summer vacation, and I had just 4 days before, quit my job at the elementary school. The timing of the phone call was perfect!  I was concerned, because this week my pain had been terrible, and I was not confident that I would be able to work with knowing how bad my pain had been.  I spent the week PRAYING that I would not have pain, so I could fill this responsibility which I wanted so desperately. 

 I filled out the paperwork on Monday, cleaned out my desk at the school on Tuesday, and started work on Wednesday.  Monday the H.R. person lead me to believe that Wendell was so happy to get me back, and that this would be a full time position before the end of the year.   I was confused, because while I was job hunting, Wendell had indicated that this was JUST 1 week.  I wanted to work, but knew anything at L3 would be more time than I wanted to work.  Well, I worked for him for the week and it was AWESOME!  So many people I worked with were so happy to have me back.  It felt great—almost like I had never left.  After the week, I talked with Wendell, and expressed I could work longer if he needed me to –because of what the HR rep had mentioned. I told him I was heading for surgery on the 18^th.  He had never said anything to the HR guy about me being brought on full time. He was not planning for that.   He then asked me if I would be willing to help fill in for scanning some records, until my surgery, and then if I were interested, he was wanting to create a part time position for me that I would be able to set my own hours. I was THRILLED!  I agreed to do the records for the week, with the anticipation of doing part time sub contract work for a lady who works under Wendell.  I was pretty excited about this possibility.

My week of doing the records was over on last Thursday.  On Thursday, once again, I was asked to come into Wendell’s office.  He mentioned that 2 days earlier, his secretary had given her resignation, because she is moving to California.  He offered this position to me, instead of the one he was going to create for me, if I was interested.  He had no way of knowing she was going to resign.  He told me that everyone wanted me back, and that I could go out for my surgery and the spot would be open for me when I feel better. He mentioned how he was aware of my concerns about the summer with Tyler, but he would be willing to bring a temp in to help out so I wouldn’t be gone all day, every day, all summer long. He told me I didn’t need to rush to get feeling well, but he wants me to take my time.  I am now in such awe!  I can’t believe it!  I am going to be working at the same job I left when Tyler was born, 14 years ago.  It is truly unbelievable!  Who would have ever thought I would get the opportunity again to work for such a fantastic boss, in the same capacity I did 14 years ago.  Even if it could have been just the 1 week---that would have been enough.  I would have understood that Heavenly Father was truly aware of me.  Now, this is a huge miracle and blessing. A Tender Mercy with a "Divine Signature"  I’m still trying to work out the details for the summer with Tyler, but I have 9 months to worry about that. 

Without a doubt, I know that Heavenly Father is aware of me and my needs.  He heard the prayers when I was very depressed about not being in a position to take the position that was opened in June.  He knew of my stress about working back at the school, and how I really couldn't go back.  He was aware of my stress about already receiving several 'rejection letters' who knows when or if I'd ever get another job. The timing is perfect!  

 So I’ll be returning to work at L3 Communications at the same job where I left 14 years ago.  My job hunting is over! I’m back with an awesome (LDS) boss, who really wants me back and is willing to help me with my 1st priority of being a mom, and believes this timing and this possibility for me certainly has come by inspiration. I have to agree! A Tender Mercy with a "Divine Signature"   I’ll be working where Bryce works, so I can eat lunch with him.  Tyler is in school all day, and I’ll be home about 45 minutes after he arrives home.  For NOW...It’s perfect!

Oh I need to mention, that the week I was working in the records, I worked with 3 girls.  Only 1, asked me if I would be back next week.  I responded that I was having surgery next week, and we began talking about my concerns about the hormonal issues after my hysterectomy.  She mentioned this lady who does bio-identical hormone therapy, and that she would REALLY be able to help me out.  I was able to get an appt. with this doctor before I left work.  I know it is no accident that I needed to be at L3 for that week, then to be sent to records, and then the only girl who asked me if I was returning, is the one I was able to get information from to help me.  It IS NO ACCIDENT!  I have been guided and helped every step of the journey this past month, and oh how awesome it is!  People have been put in my path for a very specific reason, and to a merciful loving Father, I give my thanks and gratitude!  I have been so blessed through out my life, and especially the last 3 weeks.  (I hope that continues through my surgery and beyond…) I truly stand all amazed at the Love Jesus offers me in every aspect of my life.

North Canyon 2012

We headed to North Canyon for our traditional camping trip. We were happy to have Nate (from the other side of the family) join us on his debut of the Allen Family Adventure.

Yes you are seeing this correctly...Mom has Tyler in a headlock.

Of course since this NEVER happens, it has to be documented.

On Tuesday was our first ride.  It was starting to sprinkle as we left, but it wasn't too bad...

until we were at the top of the mountain, and then the major downpour began.  (sorry no pictures of the downpour or us being absloutely soaked)  We were hurrying back to camp to get dried off. 

 Fortunately the rain stopped, and our clothes were able to get dried out, for riding the next day!  All that rain made the trails nice without dust.  That's Bryce's FAVORITE time to ride--after a good rain.

 

 

 

We are so happy that Nate was able to join us...It's always an 'adventure' when you go with the Allens.  Hopefully he'll come with us again!

Scout Camp - Tomahawk 2012

Once upon a  Sunday night, about 8:30 p.m., the Scout Master (Bryce) wasn't able to get the scout flag which they NEEDED for the organized camp they were going to at 7:a.m.the next day- Monday Morning. The Scout Master begged and pleaded with his 'non sewing wife'-, to help him MAKE a troop flag. If it would have been Saturday, this Scout Master's 'non sewing wife' certainly would have purchased enough Badge Magic to stick all those numbers and arrow on. (A day late and a dollar short). Sunday night she dug out and dusted off the sewing machine. After lots of  unpicking, and lots of "you've got to be kidding me", and as much effort as she could muster,  here's the troop flag designed by the Scout Master.   (Fortunately the troop name "Golden Flaming Arrows" was able to be ironed on! )  "I know it's getting late" said the Scout Master..."however we need to finish the troop shirts also".  We need one for every boy and every leader."  The Scout Master's 'non-sewing wife' finally found just the right iron on tools, to finish those troop shirts. "We're in luck" said the Scout Master's 'non-sewing wife' "It's a Miracle! " They worked together late into the night, to get those logos ironed on. The Scout Master, and his 'non-sewing wife' were very tired, but very happy with all their efforts. They were also very happy finally able to get some sleep that night.   And the flag flew over the camp all week long. The Scout Master, his 'non-sewing wife, and the scout troop, and the camp leaders lived happily ever after.        I love happy endings!  

We did a GREAT job if I do say so myself! 

They even won a ribbon for the flag! 

"Good job to the Scout Master and his 'non-sewing wife'

Tyler and Taylor attended a pioneering merit badge class, and they made a swing.



Tyler also attended a class where they made some fun baskets. He earned several more merit badges while at this camp.  Good Job Tyler!