18 September 2022
VOLUME 10 – NUMBER 470
Alex, Christian, Vanessa
Dad / Arkin
This week we have some sad news to share. For a long time, but especially over the past several months, Christian, Vanessa, and Alex have become more and more frustrated and angry about living in our home. We have tried everything we can think of to try and improve the situation.
At the same time, the Bautista family has become more and more insistent that we make a change. We are now faced with three children who desperately want to get out of our home, and an extended family that is determined to find a way to have them removed from our home, including the suggestion that they will contact DCFS to have another case opened against us over the way they think we are treating our children.
After several weeks of discussion, pondering, praying, and fasting, an option that was once unthinkable to us has become more clear in our minds. We think is time to consider giving in to the wishes of Christian, Vanessa, and Alex, and the Bautista family, and transfer legal guardianship to their sister, Lupe.
AtlasRTX employees relaxing at “tea time”
Despite all of our efforts, we can’t see a better option. In the end, we feel that the agency of Christian, Vanessa, and Alex, who are no longer little children, has to be taken into account. If they wanted to stay, the ongoing fighting, and threats of new DCFS cases might be worth it, but if they are desperate to leave (including new plans to run away), we think we should consider the option of allowing them to move in with Lupe.
This week, we informed Lupe of our decision, and offered to research how to transfer legal guardianship from us to her. In the meantime, we think it is best to let the children stay to her for the next two to three months, while we work out the legal details.
Our family law attorney believes a trial period would be a wise option. This would also allow the children and the Bautista family to try out this new arrangement, and make sure they are happy with it over time. If they still want to make the change at the end of two to three months, we would finalize the legal arrangements.
We are sorry to have to share such sad news, but we hope that good things can come from this change as well. In the end we have total faith that Heavenly Father has a plan for all of us, and for this family. Short-term sadness and defeat are often very temporary when compared to his long-term plans for each of us, and for this family. We love you all, every single one of you, always and forever—no matter what! Never forget that.
Kai and Ashton playing pickleball
Isaac
This week I applied for a Job up at Falcon Ridge for a Sweeper Student. I am really excited, Monte and Gloria said that I should get the job because it's very easy to get. My appointment is scheduled for Tuesday, and I went to Natalie's on Monday,
Mom was going to come over Tuesday morning to help for a couple of hours. Then she was going to take me back to for my interview, and then back up to Natalie's to help her with remodeling her house. Instead, I got sick at Natalie’s and wasn't able to go to my interview, or go back to Natalie's.
I was really bummed out that I wasn't able to go back but I was glad I got to be at Natalie's for the time I was there. I also rescheduled my interview, and hopefully I don't get sick again.
Children eating at Nate and Natalie’s
Natalie
Our house has been under construction for some time now and with Nate and I doing the work it has taken a lot of time and energy that sometimes we just don’t have. As many projects go, it hasn’t gone as fast or as smoothly as we’d hoped. I’m so grateful that Mom and Dad have sent a lot of help our way with kiddos helping with babysitting. This week, Veidi came to help. Then, on Saturday, they even had the whole family come over and dedicating a whole Saturday to help us.
I had gotten behind schedule and was feeling pretty overwhelmed at the work load I had ahead of me, especially being on a deadline because we have two litters of puppies coming at the end of the month. Having the family come over was everything we needed to get us back on track. We really appreciated the help, and we are so excited for all the progress we made towards our new and improved home.
We have extended the kitchen, added a dog room, made space for a butler’s pantry, and even split our master bathroom into a guest bathroom as well. We are super excited about the changes. We have also adjusted to doing dishes in the backyard, living off of frozen food, and now that our microwave has given out we’ve really had to get creative.
So many crazy moments, but I’m sure one day we’ll look back and laugh. We are learning to embrace our new chaos in which our kiddos have helped change our perspectives and love our new way of living.
Nate and Natalie’s house
Gloria
This week I have gotten a lot done with school. My grades are mostly A's and a few B's in most of my classes. I am super happy that Isaac is going to get a job at the school, so I have more people to talk to.
Endia and Cougar came over for a few days. One day some of us were able to play wall ball and grounder (a game Endia made up) up at the school. I was also able to go to the 5th Ward activity and I had fun doing yoga with the young women.
On Saturday, we were able to go up and help Natalie out with a lot of things I really had a fun time over there. Dad, Mom, Monte, and I all went to the dump, and it was so nasty!
Playing at Nate and Natalie’s house
Monte
We went to work at Natalie's house this week. Natalie and Nate needed us to pull up old wood flooring. Isaac started, using a small sledgehammer and a crowbar, but later stopped. Then I took over. With all the friend drama, and a little bit of bullying here and there, I needed this. Swinging the hammer onto the crowbar, which then let me pry up large amounts of wood, was very therapeutic. I put all my might into those swings!
After the fun was over, Dad brought Gloria, Mom, and I to the dump to unload. At first it was a bit stinky, and we got all the wrecked stuff out, but when it came to dumping the freezer in another section of the dump, I nearly barfed. It reeked!
I ran to the car and grabbed a throw-up baggie. After dumping what we needed to, we went back to Natalie and Nate's house, and Natalie brought Taco Bell burritos, and they were delish!
Cougar and Endia on their honeymoon
Endia
Endia and I spent the beginning of this week in Park City. Having time away together was a great blessing. We made a lot of great memories and spent the rest of the time goofing off! On Wednesday, we spent the night in West Jordan so we could go back to Park City and ride the Alpine Slide! It’s fun.
When we finally got back to Springville, we headed to our usual volleyball night. Endia unfortunately sprained her ankle during the final game, which is a bummer.
On Saturday, Ashton came over and made some yummy biscuits, and we ate sticky fingers together before the BYU game. All of us watched the game with my (Cougar’s) siblings and nephew. We are getting ready to go back to work and figure out our lives together!
Cougar eating
London
I have had a lot of really neat experiences recently as I have served as an ordinance worker in the Provo City Center Temple. I love that I get to go there every week, and I honestly look forward to it every time. There is something special about being in such a sacred place and serving those who are also serving God and their families.
One of my favorite parts recently has been helping those receiving ordinances for themselves, or live ordinances. A lot of it is new and some people aren't quite sure what to expect, but I love being able to smile and be a reassuring face as they listen to the incredible blessings of the ordinances for the first time. It's really beautiful, and it's also a great reminder to me of how much God loves his children.
He wants to bless us with so much, and I have felt the blessings of the temple lift me through difficult times over and over again. God is so good, and I love being in his house.
Chapel in Caleb’s area in Chile
Ashton
This week there have been some pretty fun things I've been able to do at school outside of class. First of all, I really like my schedule this semester, especially having Saturday's off, and Tuesdays and Thursdays are the best because I don't have many classes and I am done with work by 4:30pm.
On Tuesday night, we had a flag football intramural game. I've never really played organized football, and it was a ton of fun. I know quite a few people on the team too, which is nice!
For one of my classes, we get credit for being a part of the "BYU experience," and so Saturday night I attended the women’s soccer game. It was awesome! The score was 0-0 for most of the game. Then with about 12 minutes left, BYU scored, but in the 88th minute of the game (just 2 minutes left) the Utes scored to tie it up...
Just like in the movies—game tied, one minute left, and BYU scores! Everyone went wild, and it was just a ton of fun to be there and to see that happen.
School and life are really good right now, and I am grateful I have the chance to be where I am right now. Effort in earlier years was definitely worth it to be where I am today, not just academically, but socially, physically, and spiritually.
Kai and Ashton playing pickleball
Kai
I was sick this whole week. On Saturday, everyone else left, and I stayed home and watched a bunch of TV in Mom's room and snuggled Misha, Mable, and Max. When they came back, I had a few pop tarts and played some Lego Star Wars with Monte.
Veidi
This week I helped Natalie and Nate tear up their house and help with the kids. It was really fun, and I also helped her with her chickens. I really liked doing that.
I was so glad I got to stay with Natalie and Nate move things from upstairs to down. I liked helping them and Natalie told Mom that I always knew what to do without being asked. I like spending time with Olders (adult children of the family).
Caleb with his new mission president
Caleb
From a letter sent earlier this year on Mother’s Day: Mom has a pure image of Christ that I can truly see in her eyes. Every lesson she has ever taught me, from helping me get better at reading, helping me in school with math, teaching me to drive, and teaching me to become a disciple of Jesus Christ.
There are no words to describe the love and gratitude I have for my mom. Every bit of who I am comes from her. Her example, lessons, efforts, love—everything! I love her, and I’m grateful that she’s mine. I honestly can say that I think that she is the best mom in the whole world!
Ellie with scripture sticker