Turkey In my Shoe... Kids and Sis. Walker

This is a note from Chelsee:

So, I am sitting here in tears, not especially sad tears but just somewhat emotional tears. I was trying to teach Brailee and Daiken the Turkey song a couple of weeks ago and they just looked at me like I was a crazy woman. Anyway, last week we were sitting around the pool and Brailee said, "Hey Chels, sing me the turkey song." I started singing it and she tried to catch on but didn't really get it. I didn't really think anything of it and just kept up my random singing of the turkey song. So, today I'm sitting here and I get a phone call from Brit and Adam's house phone and on the other end I hear singing... I didn't really understand so I said, "what?" Then I hear Brailee's voice say, "I'm singing the turkey song Chels." Then she starts singing "Turkey in my shoe, turkey in my shoe, turkey in my shoe." She even had a little accent.

It was just a tender moment for me when I realized how much I'm really going to miss those kids. I'm really going to miss those random phone calls with their sweet innocent voices on the other end calling to tell me, or show me, their daily accomplishments. Brit got on the phone and told me that when she told Brailee to go get dressed today, Brailee came running back in and said, "I can't find my dress, and, and, and," then she broke out singing "and there's a turkey in my shoe." How stinking cute is that.

Now, here is what really struck me. In two weeks I will be beginning an 18 month journey teaching people to come unto Christ. Teaching them to pray, teaching them to learn and to grow from others in the gospel. How wonderful a feeling it is to think of Heavenly Father hearing his children pray for the first time. Hearing their sweet innocent voices on the other end of the line. Now I can more fully understand the pain that he must feel when he looses one of his children. When he has to go for a time without communication from them. But how sweet the moment when he can hear their voices again. I will be able to teach people new things and at first they might look at me like a crazy woman but in due time, they will come to understand... and if not, at least they learned something new.

I know, kinda silly to compare Brailee learning the turkey song to people around the world learning the gospel but, that is what is so great about this gospel, everything applies in one way or another. So, I would challenge you to always keep the line open between you and our Father in Heaven. He loves to hear your voice!!!!!

I love you all! Make good choices and don't do drugs!!! -Chels

Cute Photos of Cute Grandkids!

Chelsee's had her camera out... and look at these cute photos!!!

Swimming and Grandkids

What a great day for a swim with the grandkids! Perfect weather - nice break from all of the routine and hectic lifestyle this summer has brought my way! I think today was the first day I've had my swimsuit on for two years!!!! Usually our family has some sort of summer vacation or extended weekend get-away. Without a planned summer vacation I've really missed out. But today I got my 'fix'!!! The kids LOVE the water and it was quiet and private at Britnee's pool. I soaked up as much afternoon sun as I could.

Here's a little peak at Daiken, Brailee and Estee enjoying the water.

Father and Son in Alaska

I love this photo of Dad (Gyle) and his Dad (Norlan). It just speaks so many messages:

* The relationship of Father and Son

* Counsel from a Father

* Sharing wisdom

* Sharing memories

* Peace

* Love

* Eternal Family

I'm so thankful that Grandpa and his sons have had a marvelous time together fishing in Alaska. It's a dream come true for Grandpa and everytime I talk to dad I can hear the joy in his voice as well.

Just look how cute Grandpa is! You can see the joy in his face! Isn't it wonderful???

And look at the whole crew... Wow! What a great memory maker for them all!

Bishop Walker

Hey Fam -

Can you believe that Dad is now "Bishop Walker"... ???

I just wanted to take a moment and post some thoughts about Dad. He's a pretty awesome guy and I'm sure glad I get to share my eternity with him.

A few weeks ago I received a phone call from the Stake Clerk. Nothing unusual - Bro. Huber usually calls me to set up PPI appointments or to pass on needed information. But this time when he called he said, "Can you meet with President Polson on Sunday evening and can Gyle come along?" I knew that instant that our lives were going to change.

At first I was heartbroken because if Dad was being asked to come along with me - I was sure it meant a release from my calling. I've loved every minute of the past 4 1/2 years! I love Relief Society and I love the sisters in our stake! I know that with every call comes a release - but it broke my heart to think about it.

But - as soon as I took a breath I suddenly thought "They're going to call Gyle as Bishop"

Sure enough - when we arrived at President Polson's office - my thoughts became a reality. I was and am still very happy about all of this. It just feels right and I am excited that Dad gets to be Bishop to send two of his children off on missions. I'm thrilled that we (Dad, Tyson and I) all get to be in the same ward!!! (Since we moved to Colorado, Dad has always been in the High Council or in the Bishopric of the Singles ward) And I'm most excited to see the spiritual blessings that will come to Dad and to our family.

During the call, and for the rest of that day, Dad was quite emotional. He wasn't so sure about what life was going to bring - and he was restless. The amazing thing is, that beginning the very next morning, I saw a physical change come over him - a true tangible thing. It seems as if his countenance took on a peaceful, calm, reassured confidence before my eyes. And within that same time, he became aware of what needed to be done and knew exactly how to go about doing it. Wow! What a testimony to see the Lord's hand in preparing him for this new adventure.

Well - I have not been released - Yet! I know the stake presidency is working on that - but I'm OK with it now. I know I have given my calling my very best and I can be released without one ounce of regret for anything.

OK - those are my thoughts today that I wanted to share. Love you all!!!