"God made us to do hard things."

With the assistance of my Momma, a milestone that I have intensely feared most of my adult life was reached this week. Even though the agency of my father was breached, it was for his own protection.

As I sat across the table, for the first time, looking into the eyes of Dad's beloved financial planner whom he has respected and revered for many years, the weight of this meeting hit me. Tear-filled eyes brought me to my feet and I asked to be excused so I could collect myself.

Was THIS day really here?

With power of attorney in hand, I was prepared to speak on behalf of my father.

Financial affairs of my parents have always been handled by my Dad. Although not always in agreement with the handling of his assets, it was his free will and choice.

This meeting felt like I was taking his agency away, but for his own good and with his wife's approval.

Then a visual came into my head of my Dad in 1993. We lived in Milwaukee and my Dad and dog Muffy showed up unannounced on our apartment doorstep from Kansas!!! The walk to the park with 2-year-old Brandon being dragged by a very frisky and excited Lhasa apso would not leave my head ALL day!

Dad's quick pace and quick wit and the dogs short, quick legs kept us moving forward!! Despite the frigid Wisconsin January breeze, the 4 of us kept on freely running to our destination.

Even though THIS day Dad was not quickly running, nor freely choosing, moving forward to a destination was just as necessary.

So I dried my eyes, turned around, and walked quickly to face the next milestone in my life. Even though my Dad nor a dog were present to keep me moving forward, my free choice was.

Diamond Gymnastics Meet

Jess and her best friend Maleah Deshler both got 5th place out of 14 girls in this competition. We are very proud of them both.

Family Home Evening with my Dad at Lakeview Village

Carson is ordained a teacher and we held the ordination at LakeView Village Rehab Center so Carson's grandpa could participate in the event.

CAPS: Center for Advanced Professional Studies

During Hunter's senior year of High School, he participated in a program through his school district called CAPS. It is an innovative approach to hands-on study in various fields of study including medicine, engineering, the arts, law, and etc. 

Here is a link that PBS featured on its programming.

Hunter appears in the 4th picture on the cover. He is wearing a green polo and white kakis. He stands at the top of the stairs.

Best Childhood Friend: Laurie Rossin Harrell

The father of one of my dearest friends during my teen years recently celebrated his 80th Birthday! Laurie Rossin, along with her own family and siblings and extended family, came to Overland Park to celebrate this major milestone!!

I have not seen Laurie in many years and what a sweet reunion it was! We spent lots of time reminiscing and catching up!

Elder Brandon Bishop returns with Honor

On January 17, our 21-yr-old son, whom we had not seen in 2 years, returned to the Kansas City airport!

Before coming home from his successful Provo, Utah mission, Brad surprised him in the changing room of the Draper Temple! Brad and some of the Bishop family also had a chance to attend the final testimony meeting of 4 missionaries being transferred home with Brandon. Brad remarked that it was one of the most spiritual meetings of his life.

Elder Bishop, Grandpa Duane Bishop, Bradley, Grandma Anne Bishop appear in the chapel to witness the last testimony meeting of Brandon's mission. 4 other elders also were present along with Kristin Bishop and Brandon's cousins and many investigators and converts. Elder Bishop bore and firm testimony, with the help of the Holy Ghost, to the people present.

Waiting at the airport for the flight to arrive was made bearable with good friends:  Mary Ellen Naylor, Camille Larson, Travis and Sean Fackrell. My mom and children were also present to welcome home their brother (and father)!

My Mom is practicing using her new iPhone 5! She is getting pretty good.

Happy Reunion Indeed!

Reunited after two SHORT years!

Brandon's choice of lunch on his first day in KC:  Chic Fil A where he met his best friend, Jared Manning!

Martin Luther King morning was spent getting reacquainted with Spencer Lewis, Jared, and Joshlin Manning as IHOP!!!!! All you can eat pancakes!

Carson receives a surprise birthday gift......

Carson has had some recent challenges that have made it difficult to enjoy the school environment for him. His struggles with getting his thoughts to paper have pushed him to his limit. Spending each day until 10 PM working on homework has caused much anxiety for him and his parents. I believe he is shutting down and fighting against these challenges.

We have recently attended two appointments with Dr. Dave Bennett, a psychologist at Children's Mercy Hospital. Dr. Bennett's 40-year experience with teaching kids with Tourette's and ADD to better manage their time and "live within their skin" is of great comfort to us as parents. We look forward to the progress made because of this interaction.

At Carsons middle school while attending his band concerts, Brad and I have noticed a recent relationship developing between Carson and his trumpet partner. Which happens to be a girl named Emily O'Brien. We giggled a little bit at the flirtations these two middle school students were exhibiting while waiting to perform their music.

Yesterday, two days after Carson's 14th birthday, he came home with this:


Emily O'Brien made this and gave it to Carson for his birthday

Carson's turns 14!!!

We celebrated Carson's 14 birthday by eating at his choice of restaurant: Crabshack!!!! Grandpa was still in the hospital and ready to move to a rehab facility!!

2013: Carson turns 14