for the love

(November 2012)
In November of 2012, Parker came home from serving a mission in Florida.  I can't even begin to describe the complete JOY (there is no other word for it) a parent (yes, even a "step-parent") feels when their child, or man child as was Parker's case, comes home after being away for 2 whole years.  And Parker's mission was the absolute longest mission ever.  He was gone FOR.EV.ER. 

Maddy's friend,Jedidiah Thunell, was there to capture Parker's arrival at the airport, and then made this awesome video to help us remember that day.  Incredible talent- that boy will have an Academy Award someday. 

Elder Parker Grant from Grantma and Grantpa on Vimeo.
This past August, Maddy left to serve a mission in Denmark.  We knew from our experience with Parker that the curbside drop off is rushed and hurried, and I thought we were prepared this time around- experienced, seasoned missionary parents.  We pulled up to the curb, and saw one of her friends f…

Christmas of 2013. The SADDEST Christmas ever, which I didn't think could happen knowing how depressing Christmas 2010 was for us, which was when we fell into the deep, dark abyss of the Sister Wives marathon on TLC.

While we took advantage of every fun moment and tradition we could fit into December, the 25th left us without Parker and Maddy- Parker was in the Dominican Republic on a "non-service" service project with his GF and family, and of course Maddy was living it up, celebrating Christmas for THREE straight days as an LDS missionary in Denmark. Thankfully, the little boys had no idea they were getting the raw end of the deal.

Beck Christmas Tree Farm in Alpine.  A new-ish tradition for our family.  And while it looks really pretty, the snow doesn't help ... other than motivating everyone to agree on a tree quickly.

We chose to chop it/saw it down ourselves ... but only because we had Parker with us who is 22 and still has good knees. It was crooked and…