Gathering

My sister, Manda, lives "far far away" in Indiana. Each summer she comes to visit. We are missing Adam this year, but when Manda is in town, our family GATHERS. That is just what we do - We usually aren't doing anything special - just sitting around.

Josh can be found surrounded by all the teenagers and his board game.

Jenn has her feet tucked up underneath her, trying desperately to keep her eyes open - she's been up since 4:30 am and has already taught 2 or 3 fitness classes.

Ash & I are bouncing twins. We smell like baby formula (aka: barf) but are enjoying the occasional giggles Ben and Colin are giving up.

Ashley can also be seen writing on the back of an envelop with her cell phone attached to her ear, because Horse Show people are calling with questions or registration information.

And Manda is usually helping a small child that wants her to hold him/her or is cleaning up someone who has either made it to the bathroom ... or not... :(

There are tons of grand kids running around, sharing, not sharing, laughing, crying, snacking, or sleeping.

We have made Mom's homemade jam, ran to get pizza or happy meals, and gone to the "Icky Mexican" restaurant to celebrate Manda's birthday. We have had a Father's Day party, swam at the pool, and have enjoyed gourmet cupcakes. Manda's at the movies, right now, with Dad. We'll hit the lake tomorrow, sew on Monday, and visit Lagoon on Tuesday!

We've stayed up late laughing, crying, venting, and discussing what we are doing in our own lives. We depend, listen, learn, trust, and support on another. Sometimes we can't fix it - but we validate each other.

As I was wiping off my counter one night - the kids were all sleeping soundly in their beds. Aaron was reading his book. Manda was possibly on her phone saying "Goodnight" to her husband who is still "far far away" - I stopped and sent a message heavenward...

Mom,
We still gather.
Everything we have done, we used to do with you.
We miss you and wish you were here.
If you can, please peek down.
I'm sure you'd smile.

Then, I rinsed the rag, turned off the lights, and climbed into bed next to the sweet man who knows how much I love it when my family gathers.

Are you my Friend??

My sister, Manda, arrived Monday night!! Woot! Woot!

Kenzie has glamorized Jane and Aly with costumes, curled hair, make up, and painted fingers and toes.

But it is Hayden and Tobe who are in heaven.
They are the best of buddies and so entertaining.

Hayden patiently waits for Tobe to finish what he is saying, while Tobe tells Hayden everything about everything.
Hayden smirks with a little giggle every time Tobe releases a little gas - well actually a lot of rather LOUD gas, while Tobe doesn't even notice gas has slipped out.
They are the happiest and cutest little pair!

When my kids fight and use violence, I always say "There is a better way to handle things." Tobe has taught us all the Better Way.

When Tobe isn't happy with something you, his sisters, kids at the pool, or even my dog, Molly, does, he simply and matter-a-factly tells them; "You're not my Friend." No Yelling, Screaming, Crying, Scratching, Hitting, nothing... just simply - "You're not my Friend."

After a little disagreement the other day, Tobe, with a concerned look on his face asked Hayden, "Are you my Friend?" To which Hayden answered, "No". It was devastating to Tobe. It broke my heart too. Hayden realized how sad he had made Tobe and quickly explained that he WAS his friend, he was just a little upset - and the playing continued.


I wish everyone could handle problems with a "Are you my Friend?"
Wouldn't life be some much more pleasant??

Brothers

See this sweet little face?
Mackay is my sensitive, sweet, little boy.
He is 8 years old and tries to choose the right.
He is calm and kind.
He is very patient ... but when he has had enough...

he BLOWS!!

While picnicking at the cemetery Tuesday with many of his cousins, he blew. Hayden had hit Mackay "in the bad spot" (as my boys say) one too many times. The chase was on.

I was sitting next to my mom's grave marker (headstone). The two boys were running FULL SPEED AHEAD.
I could tell by the look on both of their faces that this was not a friendly game of Tag. As a mother, I could see the future...Hayden was going to hit the ground. But what was he going to hit FIRST??

I stood to stop the speed, the running, the problem, whatever ... As they approached my mom's headstone, Mackay gave his final shove... Down Hayden went. Head first into the corner of the headstone.

I swooped Hayden up in my arms, giving Mackay a very dirty look. Scared to death to look at the face of my 5 year old. Jenn yelled, "Get some ice!!" As I looked down - I was shocked!!! Somehow he still had a face and it was all intact. Mom must have reached up and covered the corner.

Mackay managed to get to the other end of the cemetery - scared ...
He hates to get in trouble and he really hates it when he hurts someone. No need to punish - he is one that punishes himself.



After seeing his own face, Hayden's response...

"I look ridiculous!"

An Anniversary Travel Log

Today is our Wedding Anniversary!!

We have been married for 15 Years!!
To Celebrate, we escaped to the Beautiful, but very chilling, Coast of Oregon!!

We arrived in Portland on Wednesday. Our flight left Utah at 12:45 and returned to UTAH at 1:45. After putting us all on a new plane with a de-icer that worked... we made it to Portland around 5:30 pm. We rented a car and traveled to Newport City. 3 hours later, we made it to our beautiful beach front condo.
It was heavenly.


As we drove out of our driveway - this was our view.

We drove around the town and saw beautiful lighthouses, beaches, quaint shopping areas, and LOVED the little store on the corner... (we HAD to take a picture)...


Thursday Morning we went to the Marine Aquarium.
It was a cold and rainy day so we enjoyed staying inside and being warm.

Across the street we visited Pirate's Plunder - basically a street of shops filled with nick-nacks.
It RAINED buckets!!



We ate Lunch at the Chowder Bowl. I reluctantly joined Aaron on a very cold beach in Newport.



Friday we got up early to go to the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse.
The view was amazing. We hiked down to the water to see the marine life.
It was one of my favorite spots.




We traveled into Depoe Bay.
We boarded a boat to Whale Watch. I think this was Aaron's favorite. He loves to be on the water...even when it is choppy... :(


Saturday we did some shopping in Lincoln City
and then headed to the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum.
This museum houses Hughes Flying Boat, the Spruce Goose. It is HUGE!!!


And Sunday we traveled home - back to reality... Thank you, Ashley for keeping our kids. They had as much fun as we did.

Aaron has been my best friend
for more than 15 years.

He has been by my side through
Good and Bad,
Sickness and Health,
Thick (happens to the best of us) and Thin,
and three added kids ;0).

I can't wait to see
what the next 15 years will bring.

He is my favorite!!
He is PERFECT for me!
I am the lucky one.

Happy Anniversary, Honey!!

Love is a seesaw.
Love does not stay the same,
but is always the most important endeavor of your life.
One of you is weak where the other is strong.
Each waits upon the other while progressing towards perfection.

Happy Trails...

Celebrating 15 Years of Marriage (on the 16th)!!
Oregon Coast here we come.
Please be a little bit warm.

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...

Kenz & Chase 8th grade Talent Show

8th Grade Talent Show

Indian Hills Middle School