The Darrington's

Our Family Reunited Once Again.
Although we are minus one special Angel, I know she was there in Spirit.

Brad's Homecoming at the Airport

On Wednesday December 21st we welcomed Elder Darrington home from Argentina Buenos Aires West Mission. I never thought the day would EVER come but it finally did. I am so happy for him and for our family. He served the Lord with all his heart and is ready to start the next adventures in his life.

Well, as we were waiting in the airport we waited with talk of excitement of how he would be. Ellie was so excited she had to go to the bathroom every five minutes. As he was coming down the tunnel from the escalator we could see him and were instantly excited. When he saw us he got the biggest GRIN on his face and it never went away. When Ellie saw him she started running and jumped into his arms. They hugged for a second and then he moved on to everyone else. The best part was he didn't even recognize Amanda. I think the first time around he skipped right over her. It was so cute when he realized it was her... She definitely changed the most out of everyone. The next one down he said was Ellie and only because she talks alot. LOL... He told us we all looked about the same but that his mom and dad had aged a little bit. It is so good to have him home.

Ellie was so excited she never left his side. No matter where he was or what he was doing. She was right next to him holding his hand. I'm sure it makes him feel a bit uneasy since he wasn't allowed to touch anyone for two years. It is the sweetest thing. (Now two days later it hasn't changed... She told me she is only going to do it for 7 days and then everyone else can have a chance.) So cute.

Live Nativity

On Monday evening for FHE we took Ellie to a live nativity. It was so neat. They had two camels, sheep, a goat, chickens, donkeys and every character. Ellie was in Heaven. She kept saying Mom I'm going to go ask that Mary if I can hold that baby Jesus. (he was just a doll, but she did not care.) Kids are so innocent and at this age absorb EVERYTHING. She is all about Jesus this Christmas because you know Jayci is with him while she is in our heart...

(Not to self add more pictures when publishing my blurb book.)

Nielsen Christmas Party

I always enjoy going to the Nielsen Christmas party and visiting with family. It's not that often that we get together so when we do I take full advantage of visiting with everyone. Ellie got a "pretty barbie" and was as happy as could be. ( I am sure loving my new camera. Still working out how to take "good" pictures.)

Roommate Reunion Luncheon

Last Saturday I decided it was time to get together with all my old roommates and neighbors (which were practically roommates).
It was so much fun to sit and just visit with all of them. I missed the ones that couldn't make it. We laughed and laughed for hours.
I sure appreciate all of them and am very grateful for their friendships. I don't know what I would of done with out them in my life.
Love you all and thanks for such a fun afternoon.

Braddy is Coming Home.

Dear Jayci,

I have to say this is a very bitter sweet letter that I have to write to you... I can't believe that it has been two years since Uncle Brad left on his mission and these pictures are how he remember you. I have often looked back on those last few hours that your Uncle Braddy held you and loved you. I remember watching him with you and thinking something is off and maybe even a little unsettling. Who would of ever thought it was because it would be the last time he held you or saw you physically. I know he has felt you spiritually but with you it's just not the same. I remember just crying when I watched the two of you. It was like you both knew that this is where your relationship on this worth would end. Who would of ever thought you two would of been missionaries together.

I have to brag about your Uncle Brad. He has been such an amazing example to me and our family. He has served his mission with faith and willingness to serve the Lord. I have loved reading his emails and hearing how his mission has gone. I know that he was meant to be in Argentina serving others and spreading the Word of Christ. I loved that he could tell them how he KNOWS that families are forever because he has you!!! Heaven only knows how that is keeping this Mommy going.

He is an amazing guy and I cannot wait to tell him all about you. And the only way we can truly share your story with him is by reading all about every thing you have ever done to us. By reading the blog he will know why your nickname was "the Beast" and why we always talked about you and Ellie in every email. He always made comments about how he couldn't wait to spend time with you and get to know you like we did.

Sis, Please keep looking after our family. I pray that 2012 will be a better year. I pray that we will see more blessings than heartache. I pray for another miracle baby to join our family and we all know that is in the Lords hands. So if you could please nudge him a little on that we would sure appreciate it.

I guess while I'm at writing you a letter I might as well tell you how sad I am that you are going to miss out on Disneyland. Dad and I were laying in bed discussing how big of a handful you would be. He says he would be hunting down a serious dog leash to keep you near. But I informed him that it wouldn't of ever held you back you would of kept on going and going... We all would of been so tired from chasing you all over the place. I miss you sweet baby. Every where I go or what ever I do I always feel like something is missing. And maybe it's because I miss having some one who just needs their Mama. (your sister Ellie is quite independent if you know what i mean...)

Well, I could go on forever but I am going to close with this. Give Heavenly Father a hug from me. Tell him I love him and am so grateful for all that I have. I hope you are enjoying the lights from Heaven and can feel of all of our love for you. You are missed sweet Angel of mine. But I have to say you are one lucky duck to be spending your Christmas with Jesus.

I LOVE YOU!

Mom

Who's Cute Husband is this?

Mine that's Who!!!

(Apparently this was his white elephant gift from the Young Men camp out tonight. He has no clue I even have this picture. I have no idea who text it to me. I wish I knew what he was thinking as he was wearing this around the cabin. What I do know is, it's given me a good laugh all night. If you know him at all, you'll know this is so out of character for him. I sure love this guy with all my heart.... sweater and all)

A Heavy Heart...

I wish I knew the words to describe what I am feeling right now. But mostly it's just heartache. I found out yesterday that my sister lost her step-brother-in-law to a decision which inevitably took his life. I wish I could go and be with her at this time but unfortunately I live 8 hours away. I talked to her last night and realized quite a few things about my sister that I always knew but were never said out loud.

I always knew that deep down when we were younger she had a huge heart but never showed it. She always kept to herself and never really told anyone how she felt. For the most part I learned all about who she was as a child when we were adults from other people. And when she became a Mother I was amazed at the what an amazing nack she had for it... I believe it was her destiny. She is so unselfish and works hard everyday to take care of her family. I am grateful to call her one of my best friends. Even though we don't talk everyday there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about her or any of my other siblings. (whom I also consider some of my very best friends.)

When Jayci died I remember just seeing that look on her face when she pulled into my drive way. The look of complete loss. The look like "What can I possibly say to make this any better." But instead of saying anything she just held me as we wept. As a mother you can only imagine the deepest of all pains you can endure and that is inevitably for us losing one of my children. Why I had to go through it I don't know but it has given us all (both our families) a new sense of the word "family."

My oldest sister is a quiet doer. I don't know if she knows all the things I remember her doing while she was here on the worst week of my life. Like doing laundry (OH MY there was a ton), folding it and putting it away, making sure that I ate, putting her arm around me when I was trying to be tough and telling me she loved me. My favorite of all was laughing with me when people thought I was crazy because I was "happy". Like when someone ran over Ellie's cat the first day we had them the day after Jayci passed away.... (We seriously gut rolled over that one.. I sounds morbid and cruel but it was just our luck, it's a good thing there were 5 more to take it's place.)

I hope she knows how much I love her and ache for her right now. I loved laughing and crying with her over the phone last night. Even though every story is different losing someone you love and especially a child the pain is still the same. I hope and pray my sister is being as strong for her mother-in-law and step-father-in-law as she was for me. And also to know if I could I'd be right there for her like she was for me. I love you Sis, and cannot tell you how sorry I am that you have to go through this again. But know you are loved... And I'm sending you the biggest hug I can muster up.

I love this quote by President Monson-- "Life beyond the grave is real, and as certain as our life here."

Rest in peace Lee Ryan Sims.

Christmas in the South Hills

On Monday we went to Twin Falls to Twin Falls to visit with my sisters and Matt for Christmas. This holiday season is so busy for us with everything that is going on that we had to cram it in one day that we didn't have anything going on. We were and ate at Chili's then went to the South Hills to see all the Christmas lights. My sister Jessica and her man Matt have never been out there so we went with them since it is something that we have done every year as a family. Ellie loves to feed the camel and could hang out with him all night. She also loves to see Santa and even if it's not a sit on your lap type Santa she still tells him what she wants. So cute. I'm grateful that my sisters live so close. I have always been on my own since I was married and during college but now I have them close and can go see them any time I want. Nothin beats quality time with family.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Years. Love the Darrington's (Layne, Krissy, Ellie and our little angel Jayci)

Denton's Annual Christmas (stuff) Party

(I love this picture. Rebecca is one of Layne's cousin that is an angel on Earth. To me this picture sums up what I believe in Santa. A true giver of pure love. I LOVE IT!!!)

Jayci's Angel's ( I received these when Jayci passed away and now I just can't get enough.)

Jayci's First Angel (2011)

MY FIRST CHRISTMAS IN HEAVEN (Author Unknown)

I see the countless Christmas Trees, around the world below, with tiny lights, like heaven's stars, reflecting on the snow. The sight is so spectacular; please wipe away that tear, for I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear, but the sounds of music can't compare with the Christmas choir up here. I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices bring, for it is beyond description, to hear the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me. I see the pain inside your heart, but I am not so far away. We really aren't apart. So be happy for me dear ones. You know I hold you dear, and be glad I'm spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I send you each a special gift, from our heavenly home above. I send you each a memory of, my undying love. After all, "LOVE" is the gift, more precious than pure gold. It was always most important in the stories Jesus told.

Please love and keep each other, as our Father said to do, for I can't count the blessing or love He has for each of you. So, have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear. Remember, I am spending Christmas, with Jesus Christ this year.

Tank, Roxie, and Missy (Mom, Dad and Baby)

Earlier this evening we took Tank over to his "WIFE'S" house so that they can have puppies. (Just FYI if Ellie Tells you that Tank is having babies or anything close to that just know your info is coming from a 5 year old.) I was just loving watching Tank have a play mate. Not to mention one of his previous puppies was there. They are such cute dogs. I cannot wait till they do have puppies because I think were going to get ourselves one of them. Which means TWO St. Bernards. Oh me oh my... CANNOT WAIT!

Ellie Loves to put up her Window Clings

Christmas Time is Here....

I L.O.V.E. Christmas. It's probably my favorite time of year. But this year, it's just different. I don't even know how I feel about Christmas. I am going through the motions but not really feeling them. I have enjoyed starting off the month with Jayci's birthday. But since then I have felt like something is missing. I have an ache in my heart that is always eating at me. Even if I don't think about it it's just there. I M.I.S.S. my little angel. I have found myself wandering around aimlessly, not focusing when I should. In stores I always wind up near the toddler toys. Most the time I just want to break down but hold it in till I'm in the car and have a minute alone. I sometimes am so mad that I forget it's not about the presents, but the birth of our Savior.

I am so blessed because of his sacrifice on my (our) behalf. I am so grateful for all the tender mercies I have been a part of in the last year. As much as I have HATED this year and cannot wait for the year 2012. I have been eternally blessed. In the sheer fact that I have only one destination and that is to live as Christlike as I can so I can live with him again. I know I am not perfect and am so grateful for the atonement so that I can be forgiven for my shortcomings. But I am always working on it.

I loved President Monson's Talk at the Christmas Devotional. It is truly exactly what I needed to hear and remember especially this year.

“Because when we keep the spirit of Christmas,” he said, “we keep the spirit of Christ, for the Christmas spirit is the Christ spirit. It will block out all the distractions around us, which can diminish Christmas and swallow up its true meaning.”

President Monson then summarized some of the many gifts we receive because Heavenly Father gave us the gift of His Son, sending Him to earth as our Redeemer.

“Because He came to earth, we have a perfect example to follow. As we strive to become more like Him, we will have joy and happiness in our lives and peace each day of the year. It is His example, which if followed, stirs within us more kindness and love, more respect and concern for others.

Because He came, there is meaning to our mortal existence.

Because He came, we know how to reach out to those in trouble or in distress, wherever they may be.

Because He came, death has lost its sting, the grave its victory. We will live again because He came.

Because He came and paid for our sins, we have the opportunity to gain eternal life.

Because He came, we are gathered tonight to worship Him in bonds of brotherhood and love.

May His precious Spirit be with us, and may He ever be the center of our celebrations and indeed of our very lives.”

I pray that you are all finding Joy and Peace in your Holiday Season. We are doing the best that we can with what we have.

Have a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Last Winter Performance @ Autumn Haven

Celebrating Jayci's Birthday with her...

We went over to the cemetary right around 4:30 as the sun was just getting ready to set. It was beautiful. We sang happy birthday to her, Ellie blew out her candles and then let balloons go. I don't know if you know how hard it is to sing to someone that is in Heaven and you desperately wish they were here but it's DANG HARD! We sat just sat and cried for our little girl. We just wished we could of been home celebrating like we were suppose to. My sweet friends left a jar with little notes to all of us and I LOVED THEM!!! They were perfect for the day and added so much. I do have to say that I have the best friends that any girl could ever ask for! It was a special and VERY hard day.. but we made it through and are just looking forward to good things that are coming our way. We hope you had a FANTASTIC birthday in Heaven Jayci. I hope you made one heck of a mess with your cake!!!! LOVE YOU BABY GIRL!!!

Hunting Down the Christmas Tree

Minidoka Festival of Trees

She was pretty much excited that her Daddy was there.

Winking at her Dad! Pretty dang Cute!

Oh Ellie.....

I just have to say it's so nice to have my little girl back. Even since Jayci passed away we have been going through alot of things with this little lady. Like for instance she has been MEAN. And by mean, she is yelling at kids and hitting them and won't even give anyone the time of day. I know she is going through alot. Who wouldn't be having a hard time after just losing their best friend. She is to little to let us know how her heart is feeling so she lashes out in anger. We have been going to counseling with her for a little over six weeks now and it's been AMAZING. DeeAnn has taught her how to express herself and use emotion words when she starts to feel something. I have loved watching the transformation and especially love having her quark back.

Which is where these pictures stem from....

After reading her a book and snuggling a little bit she was mad I didn't want to hang out any longer and informed me she was staying up all night. I was cracking up the whole time Layne and I were watching TV because she kept yelling at me and wanting me to come up there.... She finally gave in....
When Layne went in to check on her he came out and said "Get your camera..." I thought to myself now what did she do?
And this is what I saw. I about peep my pants I was laughing so hard. Layne and I were both laughing so hard we were crying. I could not for the life of me even imagine what she was thinking to go to bed with a helmet on buckled and all.
When I tried to take it off Layne was standing in the door way laughing and Ellie wakes up for two seconds and said " Dad what are you doing in my room?" Kind of a little irritated that we were bugging her. He told her he was coming in to kiss her goodnight she was satisfied with that and rolled over and mumbled I love you too. I went to bed that night giggling the whole night. I could not stop laughing to myself. We sure love her imagination.

The next morning I asked her why she went to bed with a helmet on and she proceeds to tell me that Pete (Our cat) scratched her and it hurt and wearing the helmet made it feel better.
I told her Pete was never in the house and then she comes up with Well haven't you ever heard of Ghosts?

Ghosts! Really?

I see the light....

(Since Ellie had the Tangled Costume they asked her to wear it. It was pretty fitting for the evening and my little girl loves to be the center of attention, even if it's just for a second. Can you tell?!)

Aunt Jana and Uncle Tim always do a spiritual fireside during the holiday season. This year they ended up doing it Thanksgiving weekend so most everyone could be there. It was based off the song in the movie Tangled "I See the Light." They told the story and compared it like unto Heavenly Father and how he loves all his children. The little girls all dressed up sang the song "I see the Light." (With ALOT of Holly's Help.)

All those days watching from the windows
All those years outside looking in
All that time never even knowing
Just how blind I've been
Now I'm here, blinking in the starlight
Now I'm here, suddenly I see
Standing here, it's all so clear
I'm where I am meant to be

And at last I see the light
And it's like the fog has lifted
And at last I see the light
And it's like the sky is new
And it's warm and real and bright
And the world has somehow shifted
All at once everything looks different
Now that I see you

All those days chasing down a daydream
All those years living in a blur
All that time never truly seeing
Find More lyrics at www.sweetslyrics.com
Things, the way they were
Now she's here shining in the starlight
Now she's here, suddenly I know
If she's here it's crystal clear
I'm where I'm meant to go

And at last I see the light
And it's like the fog has lifted
And at last I see the light
And it's like the sky is new
And it's warm and real and bright
And the world has somehow shifted
All at once, everything is different
Now that I see you
Now that I see you

All the little girlies dressed up. They are pretty dang cute!




Aunt Jana bought flying lanterns for everyone to let go. It was amazing and beautiful. I can't even explain the joy I had in watching them go. I know that I have an angel in heaven that loved them as much as I did. I have loved all the experiences that I have already had at the beginning of this holiday season to bring in the TRUE meaning of Christmas.