Qadry's Graduation May 26, 2011

It's almost been a month since my little brother graduated from high school, but Kaige still mentions Tree Tree's graduation often.  I think he really liked Qadry in his cap and gown and playing with his cousin Kortin.  My emotions were on the surface as I sat in the audience.  My BABY brother was graduating high school!  This is unreal!  I am quite proud of the responsible young adult he has become.  As I sat in the same auditorium as when Qie graduated I couldn't help but remember this is where I sat next to my Grandma and Grandpa Jenkins.  It was there that I took the only picture of Kaige that I have with his Great Grandpa Jenkins.  Change has always been hard for me, and Qadry trying to grow up on me is more change than I would like.  I will be a basket case on Kaige's graduation day.

Jenkins Jamboree February 19, 2011

February my dad had his 2nd furlough. This time it wasn't for a funeral and was simply to enjoy family outside his usual confinement. He had 12 hours to spend in Tucson, so we took advantage of it and had lots of fun. Grandma Jenkins helped to sponsor the event, and the food and activities were perfect.

We met at a park and enjoyed a super windy picnic. Besides the wind my only complaint is that my daddy was scarring my kid. I don't blame Kaige. My dad looks kind of scary, probably looks like he fits right in with his other roommates. I don't like his long hair and especially his nasty beard. Kaige kept saying "scary" anytime my dad looked or tried to have anything to do with him . I have to agree, scary! It kind of ticked me off. On a happy note my Aunt Teri brought the lemonade and my mouth is watering just thinking about it's yummy goodness. I will definitely need to be getting that recipe.

We then went to the zoo. Talk about the perfect zoo. It was very intimate and you didn't have to walk all over to see all the animals so up close. The wind died down and we were able to enjoy the afternoon there. Kaige loves animals and somehow he wanted to go inside the aviary enough that he was willing to go with the first person to offer.....my dad. Wow! From then on Kaige warmed up to him. Thank heavens! He smiled and got my dad to look at things he wanted and carry him around. It was such a relief, and I'm glad I got some tender moments on picture.

Kaige can get just about anyone to just about anything. I tell ya. Next thing you know my Grandma was pushing her walker singing to Kaige sitting on the seat. Quite the luxury ride. Then he got Qadry to pose on a peacock for pictures. Not only did he get his Great Grandma Jenkins to ride the small bumpy train with him, he got everyone else to as well. I love the pic of my dad, Qie and Qadry all squeezed into a mini train cart. My favorite picture of all is the one with the 4 boys. We haven't been able to be in a setting like this for years. The three youngest all are wearing plaid too.

Oh I almost forgot. Grandma wanted to buy my dad some work boots. So they were on a wild goose chase trying to find some wide boots for my dad. At one store the saleslady asked my dad what he did for work. He responded that he was an inmate at the federal prison. They asked, no really? what do you do?....I'm an inmate at the prison. hahaha I'm glad my brother's were old enough to find this hilarious and not be too embarrassed. It is embarrassing. Look at him, doesn't he look like an inmate? Most people would come up with something to say besides that, but nope not my dad. He sometimes likes to thrive on the awkward truth. He's nuts!

Dad should be getting more furloughs, and hopefully they will be a bit longer and he can spend time closer to home. Home is a funny word considering everything. So I guess I mean closer to me and the rest of the family.

A Thankful Heart

Thanksgiving has always been my least favorite holiday. I don't love the food, despise the clean-up and get repulsed by how much pie is eaten. I do love to get together with family and black Friday so I haven't totally boycotted the holiday. It also gives me the opportunity to reflect on that which I am most grateful for. This year my heart was overflowing with gratitude for the gospel and the spirit that has brought our family closer as my sister-in-law Tahna decided to get baptised.

In October Coby's family was in charge of family home evening and Tahna gave a whole lesson on Baptism. We learned she was meeting with the missionaries again, and I was impressed at what a great lesson she gave, and floored at the topic she chose to do, not being baptised herself.

The week of Thanksgiving I got the best text ever that she was getting baptised on Saturday. My mom's side of the family celebrates Thanksgiving on Saturday every year, so to me she is basically getting baptised on Thanksgiving! My Grandpa Palmer would baptize her, and then her husband Coby would confirm her on Sunday. The service was great, the room was packed with family and friends, and the spirit was strong.

I've attended lots of baptisms, and when I was Primary President I had the opportunity to attend them every month, and I grew to appreciate them even more. But I have never had someone this close to me be baptized. My heart was beating with excitement, and my eyes crying with emotions. It was such a neat thing!

I remember being home and worrying about Tahna during her difficult delivery. I had heard that she had asked for a blessing and that my Uncles were on the way to administer. We said a prayer and I felt strongly that she probably would still have to have a C-section, but hoped she would feel the spirit and be comforted. Their precious Kortin was born, and it's been amazing to see the good parents they are and the spiritual transition that has occurred in their family. They just seem happier!

What I am most thankful for is Tahna's example. I have been blessed to be raised in the church, and although I have had my own spiritual conversions, I have never had to make sacrifices and commitments in choosing to join the church. I often wonder if I wasn't raised in the church, would I be in tune with the spirit and a strong enough person to follow it's promptings? Would I be able to give up coffee, cussing, Sundays and pay tithing? I'd like to think so, but I just don't know. I know that the gospel=happiness, and I am so thankful that Tahna will have just a little more happiness in her life. I told her to not make eye contact with the bishopric as they will try to give her a calling and put her to work. After her amazing FHE lesson I realize it won't be long before her ward realizes what a gem she is and snags her up!

Tahna had an LDS best friend growing up. We heard about her often. She had given her LDS fictional books to read and church music. Sean was having friends and family sing a song at his Farewell and it all kind of surprised us when Tahna not only was willing to join in, but knew all the words because it had been on a CD that Katelyn had given her. Katelyn served a mission, Tahna got married and the two of them stayed in touch. This best friend flew in for the baptism, and it was an honor to meet the girl that had been such a good friend and example to Tahna. I'm sure she touched the lives of many people on her mission, but for selfish reasons I feel like her greatest mission success was to be such a good friend to Tahna no matter what her faith and beliefs were. I am indeed thankful for her.

But again, I'm left reflecting. Am I the kind of friend she was to my sister-in-law? Do I open myself up to lifelong friendships with those not of my faith? Do I effortlessly share the gospel to those I love? I fall so short from where I need to be, but I am thankful for this Thanksgiving and the opportunity it has given me to expect more from myself. I am so thankful for Tahna and glad she is part of my family-this holiday and baptism celebration is just giving me an excuse to express it!