goodbye Taylor, hello fishing

Completing our whirlwind weekend (see previous posts), I had the opportunity to accompany Taylor to the MTC as he begins his 2 year journey to Concepcion, Chile.  I appreciated the one on one time with the future missionary.  I especially enjoyed sharing big brother words of wisdom while hearing Taylor's perspective on how he's prepared himself for his decision to serve.  Due to the frequency in which people I know leave to serve missions its easy to overlook the tremendous amount of sacrifice and faith involved.  Regardless of how common it is, the more I think about the sacrifice and blessings that come with a mission the more I recognize that it is truly the Lord's work and He is in charge. 

We ate lunch with Bub and Sam at Taylor's favorite: In N Out.  While he was a bit nervous leading up to his departure date, he was in great spirits and anxious as we ate together.  He is so prepared and ready.  There is no doubt by any who know Taylor of how his many talents, warm and genuine personality, and Christ-like example will bless those in Concepcion seeking to know God better.  We pulled up to the MTC, got out, hugged then cried, then cried and hugged.  Bub, Sam and I left and cried for a little longer.  Our little brother, Chief Wampum/Scooter Jones/Tayluh-moooon/Unkie has grown up and become a man. 

So, with that, I handled my sorrows the best way I knew how.  I took to the Provo River.  My arch enemy treated me kindly. 

Fly fishing is a constant combination of skill, strategy, and luck.  After catching a fish I used a harmless tool to see what kind of bugs the fish had been feeding on.  Below is the contents of a fish's stomach.  I try to match the fake fly on my line to the size, shape, color in the river.

The type of bug the fish feed on depends on conditions of the light, water level, temperature, barometric pressure...etc.  I don't always figure it out, but its a lot of fun when I do.

My largest trout was a 19.5" brown trout that would make any fisherman proud.

 I hooked the fish beyond the end of the bank in sight!  It dragged me pretty far down the river.

 

Bub and Sam were great hosts.  Candace earned a Purple Heart for taking one for the team and watching both kids while I stayed in UT to fish.  Next time, Candace will be the one fly fishing (more likely shopping) and I'll be home watching the kids!

Taylor's Bachelor party

Ok, it wasn't actually Tayluh's bachelor party, but it was some quality brother time before he leaves to Concepcion, Chile for 2 years.  Almost a bachelor party.

I convinced Candace we needed to invest in family fun time by getting an offroad machine that can fit the whole family.  My salesman skills worked and to celebrate we got together with my bro in law Tim, his kids, and my brother Chris and his daughter Kate to ride some desert trails to a lake one Saturday morning.

RooBear is always ready to go.

Kelly, Candace's mother's husband, came with.  Here he is with Taylor and RooBear, sporting his Christmas present from my parents.  Safety first!

The kids LOVED playing in the water.  It was a good change from the hot, dusty ride.

The night before we headed out for some go-kart racing.  You always know who Taylor is in the picture cuz he's the one that stands off to the side!

While Chris was in town, i took him to my new secret fishing spot.  He was able to pull out a big one.  Every time I go we pull out at least a couple that look like this.  I'm loving it!

Charlotte's Blessing

We have been in the midst of a whirlwind.  I think my sister Jen did a good job describing on her blog all that has been happening: Taylor's farewell, Bubby's baby shower, Charlotte's blessing, flying to UT to drop off Taylor....and more.  

Candace and I will tell you that we are in survival mode right now, adjusting to a 2yr old anxious for attention and a baby girl who despite her sweetness, needs to be held more often than not.  Survival of the Fittest!

  Laundry, dishes, cleaning, bills, and other items are neglected in favor of eating, sleeping, and an hour of quiet time in front of the TV.  We can't seem to get much of anything done!  One of these days we'll get around to cleaning up the kitchen:

Candace's mom, Denise, came and stayed with us for a week.  My best description of her is a genie from a bottle, except she granted way more than just 3 wishes!  She picked up the slack at home as Candace recovered and I returned to work.  She shopped, baby sat, cooked, CLEANED OUR BATHROOM, played with Reed at 5am, prepared the house for visitors, and left us with 12 GOURMET - READY TO HEAT - MEALS in the freezer (and batches of cookies)!!!

Here are 2 pictures of my mother in law:

I've got some good blogging coming down the pipeline.  Let's get to it.  We felt very blessed to have so much of my family in town while Denise was here, so we blessed my lil Charbug in our home the Saturday before Taylor's farewell.  The Spirit was there very strong and we appreciated everyone's love and support.  Here is Cbug with Bub (pregnant), Jen, and Jenny (pregnant).  We're excited for a future nephew and niece.

Grandma and Gpa Curtis:

 Jen with Charbug.  I have Jen to thank for most of these photos.

Cousin Chaos.

Making "Unkie" say "Uncle".

Brothers and Bro in law.

Sibs.

Cousins 2 weeks apart.

Happy family

Grandma H and Chrispy.

5 Generations of women!

Candace and her mom were blessed in the same outfit as Charlotte.

Safe at home

Here we are leaving the hospital.  We made it safe and sound.  As I'm man-blogging at this moment Candace is SNORRRRRING loudly next to me in bed.  Go ahead Cbug, you deserve some rest!

People have been asking "Does Charlotte look like Reed?"  The evidence is below, shots of each one from the day we left the hospital.  What do you think?

Charlotte Marian Heyman

Charlotte Marian Heyman arrived May 31st at 10pm after only an hour at the hospital!  Candace delivered her all natural and both Mom and baby girl are doing terrific.  I asked Candace "Since this baby was so easy compared to the last delivery, does it change your mind on how many kids you want?"

Her answer: "NO".  Ha!







Charlotte is 7lbs 12 oz and 21.25".  Reed was shy when he first met his sister, but later warmed up to the point that he was giving her kisses, hugs, and even some of his chapstick he loves to carry around.

Many thanks to Aunt Jen who has selflessly watched Reed, brought him for a visit, taken our pictures, and done 100 other things.


The hardest part so far has been talking with my Mom who is in Argentina and won't get to hold Charlotte for another 2 years.  I don't think she slept a wink last night.  We called her to let her know we arrived at the hospital and from that point on she was emailing asking for a play by play throughout the night.  I figure from when we first called it was around 1:30am Argentina time and we didn't stop communicating til around 5am her time.  She sure loves Charlotte and we miss her.

We feel everyone's love and support.  Thank you sooo much.  We feel extremely blessed.  In the end, I think all that really matters is your faith, family, and friends.....(and maybe some fly fishing)!