Ethan Guzman's Wedding

What an incredible day it was today at the coast. I was able to attend the wedding of
Ethan Guzman & Rachael- whom I met last year in Texas while we were all visiting Naomi and Michael. What a cutie, and wonderful couple they make.









It was so nice to have such wonderful neighbors and friends with the Guzman family. Our children all grew up together, and though Aaron and Ethan were older than our children, they both always looked after our children. They were Naomi's older brothers, that sometimes acted annoyed when she was around. However it wasn't uncommon to have the boys out jumping on the trampoline playing crack the egg, and watching the younger ones fly through the air. How did they all ever survive? Another fond memory was catching they boys in the playhouse having a tea party with JoAnna. I don't think either of the older boys could disappoint her by saying no thanks. Four wonderful children setting great examples for my five children to follow. They will forever be part of our family.
I am sure many put in for perfect weather for today, and many prayers were heard with a perfect 75' day. I just loved watching all interact with one another, and seeing many of those that I remember so small, all grown up with little ones of there own. Suzy and Natasha were the first to catch my eye. Such beautiful women now, with two children each the age that I remember them. It is always so much fun to reconnect with friends after so many years only to be able to pick up where we left off so comfortably. One thing that kept me busy was bringing around an address book to everyone as a guest book to have them sign. With the wedding outside, and quite casual, there wasn't a real easy way to keep track of the people in attendance, so hopefully I got at least most, and they can fill in the rest. It did give me the chance to meet and mingle since I was by myself. Tony is in Rexburg this weekend with JoAnna, Rodney & Lauren, so I was the only one to attend the wedding and represent the DeRoest bunch. I decided to drive to Ocean Park yesterday to stay over night. The 89' day had something to do with my decision, but also the fact that the wedding was only 25 minutes backtracking on the Washington Coast, which I checked out the location yesterday while driving through. As I got closer to Ocean Park it became overcast, and cooled down to 59'. It was a good excuse to get a bowl of clam chowder to take to the 5th wheel and relax. I had plenty things to catch up on. I can't say that I got to bed real early, but once I did it was great.

All in all I had a wonderful time with great friends, great food, a nice toast of tribute to a younger brother, fun music,









and watching all the kids gather around the wedding cake pinata that Aaron was manning, for the surprise that would come pouring out with the right swing.



I tried to get a family picture, but soon realized that it was not easy to gather all together, so individual will need to do. Hopefully we will see the professional ones soon.











It was hard to call it a day, but the drive home still was ahead.

whew!

Well the prayers worked quickly in our behalf. I found out tonight that our 'lovely' folks nearby have sold their house. Yea! Great to have some good news today. I agree with the comments, we know it's always an option (or likely) for dates to change. We just wish it wasn't on the longer side. I'd love to say E is writing his numbers (: he had help. He was waaay more into the pictures and naming things. sigh. Someday. We love you,
Chelsea

Oh the emotions...

Happy Sunday..I think (: I hope you're all doing well, I love seeing the new updates & enjoy the pics as well.

I finally had contact with my sweet hubby. He normally can email during the week but wasn't able to even check it this time around. He is fine & well but missing us, home & attending church. He wanted to let you all know that he appreciates your prayers, support, love & mail. On a not so wonderful note, he's been extended a month. I was a bit stunned when he told me. I had a bit of a meltdown after our call..just a short one. (We happened to be with a good friend, Carrie. Her hubby is also currently deployed so we made dinner and ate with her). He also wanted to pass on that his address will be changing in the near future. Any mail sent in the next week should be fine. After that wait to get a new address from him or myself. I think it was a hard week all around- both there and here. He still sounds like he's making the best of it. He's hoping to have more contact with members there in the future. He's also doing well at secluding himself from the 'uplifting' military lifestyle. I hope this isn't sounding down. He is fine & well, we miss him like crazy though. We'll get to see Tina tomorrow evening, another good friend. She's been very supportive since our drama across the street. So many angels around us, so many blessings. Thank you thank you for your kindness, generosity & prayers. We can feel them and greatly appreciate them.
Hugs,
Chelsea

My sweethearts Birthday

Today is my sweethearts Birthday, and we went to the beach this past weekend to celebrate. It was of course an amazing time with perfect 70' weather, and no wind. You couldn't ask for anything better. We brought the 5th wheel and parked it in Ocean Park at Lonnie's home for the Summer. Lonnie & Sandi were not their however, so hopefully we can plan better for next time.

Friday Tony took off work so we could get an earlier start. The entire journey was clear, bright and beautiful. We were not in a big hurry, however only stopped one time in Astoria for fish n chips. One of our favorites there. The remainder of the day was setting everything up, going to the beach, and relaxing. We even watched a movie.

Saturday Tony enjoyed his favorite past time of golfing while I went into Long Beach Washington to look in the shops, walk the beach, and managed to get the truck stuck in the sand on the beach. Thank goodness for a young man who willingly hooked a rope to his truck and pulled me out. Quite embarrassing, but how grateful I am for the help. So much for being brave to go on my own. I ended up going back to the golf course to wait for Tony to finish and wrote a letter to Anthony.









With all the wonderful emotions we were feeling for our blessings we went to a park for a picnic and discussed things we would like to do, accomplish, and when we plan to return to this special spot. What a beautiful world we live in.

Sunday was a relaxing melancholy day. I took advantage to relax while reading or studying lessons from church. The melancholy is due to having to head back to reality in Portland. The closer we got, the hotter it was. Thank goodness we had closed all blinds before we left home, and had the ceiling fans on. When we walked into the house it was very cool and comfortable.

Monday life is back to normal, but the time I spend with my sweetheart is always treasured. Or at least most of the time. Ha, Ha

Happy Mother's Day to all women!

What a beautiful day it is today, and yesterday. Everything is so bright and beautiful, full of the colors of Spring. That in itself is something to enjoy, and appreciate.
Today however is another day that is to be celebrated by all women. Its the day to reflect on our God given direction in life. Sheri L. Dew reminds us: "While we tend to equate motherhood solely with maternity, in the Lord's language, the work mother has layers of meanings. Of all the words they could have chosen to define her role and her essence, both God the Father and Adam called Eve the mother of all living and they did so before she ever bore a child. Like Eve, our motherhood began before we were born. Motherhood is more than bearing children, though it is certainly that. It is the essence of who we are as women. It defines our very identity, our diving stature and Nature, and the unique traits our Father gave us.
May all the women in the world remember this great directive we have been blessed with, and hold it sacred now and throughout eternity is my prayer. Happy Mother's Day !

Happy Mother's Day!

Mom,
Though we're miles apart, I want you to know that you are loved and appreciated this Mother's Day and everyday! Thank you for your sweet example and love.
Love you forever.

Galloway's visit to Portland

Wednesday afternoon I received a pleasant surprise when Mike, Malyn, and Brylee Galloway knocked at the door. We haven't seen them for two years when they were married, and since they have added a third to make the family more complete. Brylee is three months old now, and such a cutie. As you can see she is filled with smiles and cues. They came to Portland for vacation last Sunday driving as far as Boise Idaho, then flying from there. It was nice to have a couple hours to visit with them and catch up on these past couple years, as well as find out a little of the plans for the future which might bring them back this direction. In the mean time Mike works at AT & T selling phones in Idaho Falls which is where they plan to move in a month or so. Less time for commuting.
Tonight both Mike and Malyn came here again, this time to have dinner with us, and to celebrate Malyn's 21st birthday which is actually on Sunday. It was a double celebration with Mothers Day as well for her. They are flying back on Saturday morning so time is short. Baby doll enjoyed staying with grama and grampa Galloway. I'm sure they are truly loving the time they can have away with her. Its not easy living so far away.
I am so greatful to see all of them so happy, and enjoying this new part of their lives. A wonderful Happy family.

Strengthening each other

Yea, it's that time in the week that I got to talk to my boy. It's great to hear his voice & to fill each other in on life. He's had quite a busy week but has been glad since it makes the time fly by.

I want to take the opportunity to say how much I appreciate my family. Not just my immediate one we've started (but also the one I grew up in as well as married into). I'm so so blessed by the Priesthood in my life. I have amazing support around me through our ward, friends, neighbors & the base. They help to get us through hard trials. For the most part it's the Priesthood that helps us to realize that the Lord & our Father know us personally & we really are His children. I didn't plan on making this a testimony. Since I didn't get to bear mine today I guess this can make up for that.