June 6, 2010

Let the SUN SHINE!!


It has been a beautiful week!! Finally!!
The weather in Utah has been crappy and it seems there has been a lot of "crap" in the lives of the people that mean the most to me. I welcome the sun!! The sun just makes everyone a little bit happier.

The sun was shining on Memorial Day. It was a quiet relaxing day that ended at the cemetery. Aaron and I took the boys back up to see all the flowers. We arrived and shortly after, Jenn, Scott and their boys joined us. Scott's dad and sister wanted to see my mom's grave, so they came. Then my dad arrived. I had wanted to have a picnic or party but no one was available. So having an impromptu party at the cemetery was perfect! The flowers were beautiful and everywhere. The sun set and we all went home.

Wednesday, my niece, Jessica, graduated from Alta High School. She was my little buddy when she was little. I took her everywhere I went. I spoiled her. One might even say, I made her a little rotten. Thank heavens her parents took over and made her into a very responsible, polite, kind, and GOOD girl. She is beautiful on the inside and out. Watching her graduate brought tears to my eyes. I was so proud of her. In my moment of pride, I thought of my mom. My mom had a special relationship with Jessica. Jessica knew it. I know she missed Grandma Kathy but was happy to have Grandpa Earl and Roe, and Mike and Jeanne (Scott's parents) there to support and celebrate her.

Congratulations Jess!!!

Our pool opened this week and we have spent some quality time basking in the sunlight - maybe even too much quality time.

The teenage skin issues are making Kenz a bit crazy. So I told her to get in the sun and let it dry up her face -"just for a little while". To be honest, her skin wasn't that bad, but she doesn't believe me. "Just a little while" did more then we thought. Poor thing - sun burns are the worst. Her skin looks great now, it's just a little more pink then she would normally like.


Mackay fights me when it comes to a rash guard. He thinks I make him where it to "look dumb". Kenzie took him to the pool the other day and since Mom wasn't there to enforce the rash-guard rule, he didn't wear it. Kenzie didn't enforce the sunblock rule either. Lesson learned!! He is miserable. Pictures don't really show it.



Finally, to end the week of pure enjoyment in the SUNSHINE, Manda, her husband, and her daughter participated in the OUT RUN the SUN race. I have been so excited for her all month. It is a race/event held to honor those who have battled melanoma. She did it last year with Brett. This year, Jane and Manda ran the 1 mile race. Jane RAN the entire mile. They even finished FIRST. Some of Manda's friends supported her and ran the 3 mile. Brett ran the 5k and WON too.




I wish I could do this with her. I get emotional when I hear of her experience. She inspires me. She says she doesn't have a cause and doesn't do it for the research. She does it to honor our mom. Awesome!!!

FYI - Two years ago today, my mom had brain surgery. Time is such a weird thing...

11 comments:

amanda said...

I love the sunshine. Funny you should mention all the sunburns and then end with the race against MELANOMA!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hello!!!!!:):)
I hope the sun continues to shine for us while we are there. One week from today we will be on our way. I cannot wait.

Alyssa said...

Everyone looks great in these photos. Jessica has grown up too fast. She is a beautiful young lady - I cannot believe how she has matured through the years. Kenzie, too, is so striking with those huge sparkling eyes. And your two boys are charming and handsome. Mackay's burn doesn't look too harsh in the pics, but any sunburn sure does not feel good. I first saw race photos of Amanda & her family on her blog and felt so excited for her, too. She is such a trooper to continue running races in honor of your mom. What a great reason to participate in those events! Thanks for the post. Hope you have a great month with all of the amazing things planned.

Shauna said...

Such great family times. I am so impressed with Amanda, first place! Wow. Also I can't believe Jessica has graduated I will always think of her as a little girl. We also did the sunburn thing this week, ouch!

jenn said...

Great post. Mackay looks like you are taking a mug shot of him. I can vouch for it, I saw it, it is a bad burn and he is miserable. Yah for the sunshine. Makes me feel better.

Debbie said...

When you get to be our age, sun is scary. But summer is here and we are out of school. AHHHHH. Hope we see you guys soon.

amanda said...

who is julian and why is she trying to sell you viagra?? :)

jenn said...

Weird...that is a little scary that Julian is reading your blog and trying to sell you viagra. Ew!!!

Dawn said...

I was so excited when I saw 8 comments. I thought - "Wow!! Finally!!" Then I see that stupid Jilian thing. How do I delete it?? Can I?? Manda or anyone - is there a way to delete her/his comment?
Thanks Jenn and Manda for leaving me TWO comments. It is sad that comments make my day. I need to get a life!

Dawn said...

Never mind!! The little garbage can at the bottom of the comment... yeah, it took me a minute. Like I said - I need a life. :)

amanda said...

THIS IS TOBE, I CANT WEAT TO SEE HAYDEN. THIS IS ALY, I WILL ENJOY KENZ. I LOVE THE BABIES TOO. THIS IS JANE, I CANT WEAT TO HOLD BEN AND COLIN. I LOVE THE FAMLY TOO.

amanda said...

JESSICA LOOKS PRITY