Where Did the Summer Go?

Aside from raining. Every. Day. This. Summer. I've actually had a lot going on! Mitch left for his annual training and then because he was promoted to a Seargant, he had to leave again for another month for the 'Warrior Leadership Course' training. At BYU-I, there are only 7 weeks of summer, and Mitch was gone for 6 of them because of the military. 

I was not a happy camper. I had to get all of the apartments at our complex prepared and ready for people to move-into completely alone. It was the most frustrating but fulfilling 6 weeks because I learned not only exactly what I rely on Mitch for, but just how capable I am.

I've always been extremely fearful that Mitch will get called to deploy in Iraq or that these trainings will become more frequent the longer we are in Uncle Sam's back pocket, so it was really exhilarating to see exactly what I am capable of. I was able to get nine apartments completely set up all by myself, including painting, caulking, and other general maintenance.

I also got to reflect on my sweet husband and how much I love him. It's sufficient to say that I am so glad he is back at home.

While he was gone, there was also another exciting event in our family!

My sweet baby niece, Lillian was born! She is the most precious little thing I have ever seen. She was born on 08.26.14. I was on call the entire night before hoping that she would come. It wasn't until I had decided to go to bed at 2:00 am, that I got the text, "Wish Ana good luck, she's dilated to a 10 and they're calling the doctor!"

I immediately got up from bed and in my car for the 40 minute drive to the hospital. I got there just 10 minutes after this gorgeous girl was born and I was the first and only person to visit her until the next afternoon. I like to think that we now have this special bond and that she will always love me the most. I don't think her mom appreciates that sentiment! She came out with a head full of hair, boxing hands, and WNBA feet. 

Mitch got to meet her for the first time almost a week after she was born. He was completely enamored and immediately fell in love with her. 

She's already changed so much in just the short two weeks that she has been alive. She is absolutely beautiful.

In other news, my Brother-in-Law also got married! Jace and Camille were married on the 30th of August in the Idaho Falls temple. Mitch and I were able to attend their sealing but had to leave immediately afterwards because my work would not let me take any time off for it. I also had to miss their reception that night and the family dinner the night before because of work. I've loved my time at Melaleuca, but I'm getting to the point where taking a day off of work is like deciding whether or not we are going to send a nuke to Russia.

Here is a picture of the amazing new couple!