Barber Bustlings

We had a wonderful day at the Scottsdale train park on Saturday. We spent the afternoon on the train, carousel and playground. I can tell the air is a little bit cooler, but I still can't say it is fall weather. The reality is that I might not be able to enjoy the weather here until this baby comes out. The kids loved it and Peggy and Jill had a good time, too. I am amazed by both of them; they are able to find joy in daily life and it is an answer to so many prayers! I am always so happy when the kids make them laugh. I am so grateful to be here anyway, but the added element of living by Peggy and Jill is fun. I'm sure they would be okay without us, but the kids love them so much and I don't like the thought of not being here. If only my siblings would move down here..... After the train park we went up to see Scott and his new server room. His company is expanding and he spent the weekend moving and organizing. It was a tiring day, but well worth it.

One good thing has come from the past few weeks. Scott and I have finally agreed on a name for our little boy! We like the name Landon James Barber and are getting anxious to get him here. We still have two months, but it feels great to at least have a name picked out (and one that we both like!) I never thought naming kids would be this complicated, but I didn't want to force Scott on the name Hudson. Landon fits our family better, although I still love Hudson for a boy. Maybe someday one of my friends, sisters-in-law or sister will use that name? Little Landon will be grandchild #8 on Scott's side; there are four girls and he will be the fourth boy. Bailey and Myles had a great time visiting with cousins. We missed Holly's kids, Brooklyn and A.J., but look forward to someday having all eight cousins play together.

Yesterday was Willy's funeral. For a day that no one wants to endure, it was wonderful. The funeral was very uplifting and I know Willy enjoyed it. Scott gave the eulogy; he did a wonderful job highlighting his father's life and gave a sweet tribute. Chris spoke on the plan of salvation; many people of other faiths were in the audience. We hope that Willy's family learned a little about our beliefs and I think it would be hard for anyone who was there to not have come away knowing of our deep devotion to and faith in the Savior, Jesus Christ. Jill won the audience over with her "little know facts about my dad." She had everyone laughing and really gave a wonderful feeling to the meeting. I loved learning things about Willy that only she and Peggy knew. Several people got up and shared fond memories as well. It was a fantastic funeral. Bailey had a wonderful weekend with her cousins. We didn't see her at all; she adopted Chris and his family as her own. It was ...

Thank goodness for children. Amidst our grief over losing Willy, Bailey provided some comic relief. After seeing this sign she said, "Look, Mom! Free Smoking!" We got a kick out of that. Willy passed away today at 12:37pm. We will miss him terribly. Thanks to all for your love and prayers. Please keep them up on behalf of Peggy and Jill.

Unfortunately, Scott's father is not going to recover. The surgery removed the tumor, but his immune system had been compromised from a year of chemotherapy and radiation. An infection in his body spread to his brain, causing a massive stroke on Friday. He has been unconscious ever since. On Monday the doctor confirmed that, although his organs are working, his brain has been seizing and he will not wake up again. Scott's brother arrived today and his sister will fly in tomorrow night. This awful news comes with so much pain and sadness. He was only 52 and very healthy. I know we were all hoping to have more time with him. No one was prepared for this. Thank you for your prayers. I know that Scott's mom and family will continue to need love and support for a long time. Despite our faith and belief in eternity, our hearts and minds are subject to pain and grief. Death reminds us to live each day as if it were a gift. I hope to live without regret and to have a life full of l...