He has been called to serve in CapeTown South Africa 🇿🇦!! He leaves in just 3 days and my heart is so full of excitement and love for this boy. He is so ready and willing to serve the lord and the people of South Africa. He will be so missed around our house and in our daily lives. He is funny, hard working, eager to do good, achieves all he sets his mind too. What a great example he is to all of us. We love you and will be praying for you every day.
Vicki
I’m pretty sure this is what the Savior might ask me when I meet him. How well did you love my son? He might also say Did you endure your trails well? In all actuality he will already know the answers to these questions. But it does me good to think and ponder about these kinds of things. It helps me to push though, to keep going, keep trying.
I know this life is a test I've been taught this since I was a young girl growing up listening to every Janice Kapp Perry songs. It give me comfort to know I have a loving Heavenly Father who loves me. Who is aware of me and is cheering me on. This world we live in is tough, its can bring the worst and the best out in us. For me being a mother is learning about Strengths you didn’t know you had and dealing with Fears you never knew existed. I have had many experiences in my life that I had deal with things I didn’t want to but I did it anyways. Looking back at them I did find myself stronger than I thought could be possible. I give all credit to our loving Heavenly Father. It is also a place where we grow and learn. It is full of wonderful amazing moments. Some so precious and breathtaking you never want them to end.
Also people are watching us, they are listening and learning from us. It may be our own children, our spouses, our neighbors, our friends They watch and see what are gonna do, how we are handling situations. some give advise, some don't say a word. some tell others what you should do. I say do your best, Give it your all, and most importantly love. We all need to feel loved, show love, and except love. Hold on to your Faith, cause at any moment life has away of testing you to your limit and you need to be ready. At at that time you will feel more of God’s love and you look around and realize it was just what you needed.
So for the time being I think I’ll keep trying to love my son, as Jesus loves me, he loves me fiercely, he loves me unconditionally, he loves me completely, he loves me perfectly.
Vicki
We had a little party with Gavin and His friends and there families last night. It was a fun time! I put this little video about him together. I’m in awe at how fast time seems to be going by. Also here is a list of 16 things about Gavin:
1. He loves socks, shoes, chap stick, and pomade.
2. He has had 3 broken arms
3. He likes Hunting and Fishing
4. In the 6th grade is was in a mathlete Competition
5. He is very cautious and thinks things thru.
6. His brother would take him with him to meet girls
7. He has been a Student Body Officer 3 times.
8. He loves Buffalo Wild Wings
9. He loves to watch and play Basketball and Football
10. He lets his baby sister sleep in his room
11. He has tons of friends and is very funny and entertaining
12. He is very determined, smart and loves accomplishing things
13. He was born with a skin disease called Urticaria Pigmentosa.
14. Likes to got to Beaver and hang out with family
15. Has always liked sleeping by himself, just opposite of his siblings
16. Loves Cellphones and Electronics and know everything about them
click below to see to watch the video—beware its 10 min long so you have been warned!!!
What a joy he is to our family!
So a few months ago we got a call at home from Bro. Horsley in our ward Scott answered and I knew what he was asking. Scott walked in the room and said we need to talk in church on Sunday! First thing out of my mouth no way, all of US? I have to prepare 5 talks? Cuz I knew I wouldn’t have to prepare Scotts. He said yes, and the topic is Following Jesus Christ by Faith. Immediately my mind starts going everywhere, I prayed that night that something would come into my heart, my mind. That morning I got a piece of paper out of my nightstand and started righting down my thoughts and reading my scriptures. I had almost got my talk all written in an hour or so. Then Scott called me from work about 10:00 am and said what are you doing? I told him I had spend most of my morning writing my talk and it was almost done. He said oh good I’ll use yours, started laughing and said I forgot to tell you I was joking “I only have to talk” what!!!! Really he was kidding I nor my kids had to talk just him. so instead of having my talk in my drawer, I decided to write it down, it’s good for me to do this, It’s healing, it’s moving on, it’s letting go, it’s recognizing my blessings, it’s real life, it’s what makes me, ME!
“Therefore, doubt not… remember that without faith you can do nothing, therefore ask in faith” D&C 8:10
Where does faith come from?
Faith is to hope for things which are not seen, but which are true.
Faith must be centered in Jesus Christ. To have faith is to have confidence in something or someone… the Lord posses every needful thing, so as to enable the mind of man to place confidence in him without reservation.
Strong faith is developed by obedience, faith come from righteousness, faith is a principle of action and a power, faith in Jesus Christ is more than belief. It carries an assurance of the fulfillment of the things hoped for.
Faith is a gift, Faith as everything to do with hope, Jesus Christ, Obedience and Righteousness. It requires us to place all confidence in Christ without reservation.
I personally have had several times to use or experience Faith in Jesus Christ. About 8 month ago we had a powerful faith building experience it started with our kids in Beaver staying with Grand Parents, Scott and I home alone. We had dinner and just sat down to watch a Redbox, when we got the phone call, that all parents never want to receive. That our oldest son Tristin was in a motorcycle accident, which he received major head trauma and other injures, he was unconscious and they were trying to get him stabilized. We were told to stay home, that he would be life flighted to Primary Children's Hospital in SLC. During the course of the 1st call to many after during the next few hours from grandparents, to the Doctors, to friends. I was a total wreck, I was pacing the floor, I was confused, I was worried, I felt suffocating at times, This was not a pretty sight when your heart breaks. I was losing my mind, I walked outside my front door and screamed as loud as I could. I felt horrible. I was in shock and was asking WHY? It was a dark, ugly place to be. I’m not proud I handled myself this way. I remember thinking I was glad my other children weren't here to witness how horrible and upset I was. I was ashamed. I found myself in my closet filled with cloths and shoes I was in the corner in a ball. I began pleading and begging to my Savior. That this couldn’t actually be happening to us, to me, I was saying this can't be the end, he has his whole life in front of him. I would do anything, just take me instead. I was being so selfish, I felt Scott my side lifting me up, caressing my hair, tell me that he loves me. We walked to the end of our bed and knelt down. We began with a conversation we talked about how we were going to pray to our father in heaven. What? Was this a real conversation we are having? This should be easy, we pray to him at each meal, every morning and night, we pray for our safety, for our vehicles to run right, we pray for guidance, we pray for rain, we talked and we felt we could pray for healing, for a miracle, we worship a god that can perform all these things. So we did just that, we prayed for the Doctors, for strength, for healing, for understanding, and for his will to be done.
Almost immediately after I felt like a perfect fit glove covered my entire body. I felt warm, I felt peace, my mind was clear, but mostly I felt LOVE, the pure love of Christ. I felt it so tightly around me that it literally felt like he was right next to me. I was calm, I was remembering words of my favorite hymn. I knew I was not alone, I knew my savior died for me, that he knows me personally, that he was fully aware what was going on. He knows the desire of my heart. I knew that through my FAITH in him all things would work out as they should.
So where does Faith come from? Simply by asking and us doing our part. Faith helps us get through hard things, through sleepless nights, worry filled days, deaths, illness, and all things big and small.
PS…By the way Scott’s talk he gave was amazing, I’m so proud of who he is, and his example to all of us. He is my ROCK, and I love him will my whole heart.
Going into this summer I hoped it would be full of making memories!
Guess What?
I think we accomplished that.
Most of this post will be pictures,
but to me pictures are worth a thousand words.
Some of the Highlights were:
Playing night games with kids from the neighborhood
Fishing at Puffers Lake
Camping
blanket forts
Family Game nights
Going to Lowe’s extreme Air sport
Long car rides
Shaved Ice
Cousin time
Movies at the district
Water Parks
Mini Golf
Bee’s Game
Cabelas
Fireworks
and many more activities!
I’m most grateful that all my kids are still home with me.
That they like to hang out with there Mom.
That we aren’t just family but we are best friends!
An accident happened Tristin was riding his motorcycle out to Manderfield about 10:30 pm and he wrecked. Tallan and Gavin found him, unconscious and not breathing they called 911 and then Grandpa and Grandma Bradshaw and Grandpa Cox. Gavin got back on the 4 wheeler to go get help. He went to Darren’s to have Amber call for help too. Then went and got Dwayne to come. Tallan had called or texted Britney and Jake they were all on there way out. Dwayne was able to give him a priesthood blessing before the Ambulance arrived. Gavin called Scott and I at home. I talked to him and my Dad. They said he got in a bad accident and the ambulance was there. Immediately we started praying. Grandpa Cox called also got there the police and emergency crew talked to us asking if Tristin was allergic to any medicine and have authorization for life flight. He had severe Brain trauma and was acting combative. Scott and I were in shock and didn’t quite understand the extent of his injuries. I became emotional well hysterical really. everything was happening so fast, I was living my worst nightmare. I never wanted to receive that phone call. Britney kept calling Scott and I was texting and calling my mom. Life Flight was on stand by, I talked to Dr. Oakden while Tristin was getting a Cat Scan. He said to stay in SLC that they would take him to Primary Children's Hospital. During this time he was not allowed any visitors. He had a major concussion. It was about 35 min later and Dr. Oakden told our family that he had improved 200%. They sent the Cat Scan to a radiologist in St. George to get the results. They called us with results there was no internal bleeding, no broken bones. He said they would keep him there. His vitals were good he was breathing on his own he just needed time now. Scott and I packed some of our stuff and left.
At home I text Stephanie and Tom and I spoke with Tammy and then later Stephanie called me back. Scott was caressing my hair and consoling me telling me it’s all going to be ok. We kept talking with each other about what is the right way to pray? For this situation. I didn’t want to pray for the wrong thing. I didn’t want to be selfish. I knew I would expect the Lords will, but I also knew we believe in a God that can perform miracles, that thru our faith we could ask for healing. Almost 2 hours later by 12:30 my fears were silenced. Scott and I were on the road. I felt comfort, peace and love.
They gave him an IV, did some lab work, they stitched him up, no internal bleeding on the brain just swelling. 3 fractured vertebrates and a hole in his nose and foot. Miracles were being reviled every second. Our prayers were being heard. Grandpa Cox, and my Dad, Dwayne and Mitch gave Tristin another Blessing. We all knew he was in the Lords hands and felt it. Most of the family were able to go home. Scott and I arrived in Beaver at 3 o’clock in the morning. Our ride down was calm it was peaceful and it was fast. I swear we floated there. We had a peace in our hearts and complete trust and faith in the Lord. When we got there we touched and talked to him, so he knew we were there. I brought Chap stick with me, He has always loved chapstick and knew he would want some. Around 4:30 he said “mom'” and then said who is that? I said your Dad. and he said “ok”. Then he fell back to sleep. I would put chapstick on his lips and he would smile. He was in and out of consciousness for the next 10-12 hours. I remember feeling in my heart that he would be ok, he just had a long road ahead of him.
We couldn’t have more better family and friends, so many people calling, texting us, or coming by to see us we will forever be so grateful for them. He was eating clear liquids, we would stay awake for about 10 min then fall back to sleep. His heart rate began to increase, also had a fever. When we got him up he would became really dizzy. The shower the first time was really painful for him. He got nauseous that evening and threw up. They took another x-ray of his shoulder that day but it looked good. His right eye was swollen, but considering he looked good to me. When the Dr came to see him today he looked at Scott and I and said “you two should you both need to count your blessings he is a Miracle there was angels watching him, he should’ve never made it out of the accident. I spent the next night with him alone, it seems surreal laying next to Tristin in a cold dark room, unfamiliar noises surrounded us. Every two hours the nurses would check his vitals. Chapstick in one hand and Tristins in another. By now both of his eyes are swollen shut. His face is beginning to itch. For me I was still whispering words of prayers to him, talking and feeling so blessed. I was just trying to comfort and be there for him.
Today the other eye is swollen, he showered again and eat McDonald's. He was staying up alittle bit longer. He walked down the hall with help. He is not on any pain meds just ibuprofen and Tylenol for swelling. We feel so incredible grateful and blessed not sure what we done to deserve such a miracle. But what we do know there are some things just out of our hands. It just wasn’t Tristin time to leave this earth. We have gain a more greater testimony of prayer, faith, following the promptings of the Holy ghost, love of family, and priesthood blessings. Tristin still continues to be more quite than usual. His foot hurts the worse now, his head and face wounds are healing wonderful. He is slowly getting back to his normal full of life self. But I'm positive he will be himself before to long. He is so tough and a great example to all of us. He has great faith in his Father in Heaven. He has amazed us in how he has improved each day. We our continuing to learn and grow from this, what a powerful faith building experience. We truly have felt wrapped in the Lords arms every single moment.
I know I missed some parts of his recover story. I know many family member have special thoughts and there own feelings of this experience as well. I also know there are different circumstances that happened, but we feel they are tender mercies from the Lord. They are all important and some to close to our hearts to share.
Last week the girls made books for their mom’s.
They cut out each page, stapled together, and added washi tape.
Then the fun part filling them out.
It was fun listening to the girls talk about their mothers.
Most of them didn’t know how old she was, or what she did in her free time.
