Happy Birthday to You, and You, and You, and You.....

I'm starting to become one of those occasional bloggers...how sad! :( I need a swift kick in the butt my dear friends and family! If you're still seeing the same post after a week+, I give you permission to nag me until something new shows up, and I don't mean casually comment that you haven't seen a new post in a while... I want you to full on nag me until I comply.

Okay, onward!

January may be over, but there are some pretty awesome people that celebrated birthdays this last month that I want to acknowledge. At the start of the month I was thinking that it would be fun to have one big party to celebrate everyone that had a birthday in January, but I'm glad it didn't work out that way. It's much more fun to stretch the fun a little further. Maybe I should be like an ambassador for birthdays or something. I love the opportunity to celebrate how special these people are.

Carrie kicked off the month, and I've decided that I need to add her birthday planning to my list of things to do in December. It always sneaks up on me, and I find myself scrambling at the last minute for her. She's too awesome for last-minute planning!  Regardless of the poor planning, there was still a good handful of Canfields that were able to meet up for a nice visit over lunch, and I got lucky and had some free time to visit with Carrie on her birthday.

I hate to admit to favorites, but in a big family like mine, it's not a huge secret that there are some of us that have closer ties to each other. I still love everyone to bits, but Carrie is one of my favs. Growing up I did my own thing and played with my imaginary friends and missed a great opportunity to connect with the flesh and blood playmates that were always around. It wasn't until I was ready to leave home that it dawned on me what a close bond I had Carrie. It's taken a while, but we're finally living close to each other, and it makes me so incredibly happy. Now when I hang out with her, I don't feel that panic settling in when our visits come to an end, because I know there won't be a gap of months and months that pass before I see her again. I love Carrie so much more than I can express, but I suspect she knows it's always more. ;)

My lovely friend Brandi is next in line on the birthday train. I love that she loves her birthday and goes all out to celebrate it each year. She is an amazing person who I think the world of. I'm in awe of how she juggles all that she does and in the seemingly effortless way that she does it. There should be more designated days to celebrate her. I didn't expect to get any face time with her on her birthday, but I just happened to catch her at the right time, and I enjoyed a long overdue and wonderful visit with her.

Eric's birthday was a day later, and I feel bad that in the past I haven't done more to acknowledge his or my sister Michel's birthdays. I guess in some ways I felt like maybe they didn't want another reminder of their age advancing a notch, so I kept things simple with a phone call, email, card, or text. A birthday marks another year, but I think it should be more about celebrating the person, and the longer these amazing individuals are around to celebrate, the better!

It wasn't very original, but I think it was great that a bunch of us could get together again to celebrate Eric and Michel's birthdays. Eric picked a great Mediterranean Grill that everyone enjoyed, and I'm so glad it's in my neighborhood! We all had a great visit with each other, and it's always a good feeling when so many of us can find a window in our busy schedules to come together.

As an older sibling, especially one to a bunch of young kids, Eric was responsible (in a good way) for shaping us in one way or another. I love to hear every one's different memories about each other and how greatly they vary, but I think all of us would agree that Eric is indeed a gentle giant. He is kind and so much so that I can't think of very many times that I have ever seen him angry over anything. Those Keep Calm quotes that I'm seeing around everywhere lately make me think of Eric. I think Eric's ability to be calm is a great attribute, and when I'm around him I think of how much better a person I could be if I could keep my crazy in check.

Next in line is my niece, Karissa; and nephew, Ian. Karissa is Michel's daughter and Ian is Eric's son. I think it's cool that Karissa and Ian share a birthday in between Michel and Eric's birthdays and that they both happen to be the 3rd child in each family! I may not have a very close relationship with them, but I have loved watching them develop into the people they are and enjoy hearing about what they're up to. 

Michel. What can I say about her? She's got some sort of super-human blood running through her veins. She's constantly on the move with her work and family, and if all that craziness wasn't enough..she's back in school again. Grace under pressure is what she embodies, and I'm always amazed by how much she is able to do. I'm terrified at the thought of going back to school myself, but when I look at Michel and all that she has been able to accomplish, I can't help but feel inspired and encouraged that I too can do more. She's a lovely example of a human being.

Small packages can pack some pretty big punches, and that's exactly what my young friend Emma does. She is a riot and I love the mess of adjectives that only begin to describe her personality...sassy, spunky, sly, sweet. I'm fascinated by her, and how full of life she is. She brings so much joy to those around her, and I know she will be thoroughly entertaining to watch as she grows up!

Finishing up the January birthdays is James. He's in a good place in Idaho, but I wish I got to see him more often! His easygoing and fun personality is a joy to be around. His comic relief on our hike this past summer was a huge motivation for me to keep going when I wanted to stop. James is such a fun and positive person, and you can't help but smile when you're around him.

These lovely people make a cold, long month so much nicer! Cheers to each of them and all the things that make them special and for the happiness they bring to others. I have probably said this before, but I'll say it again... they are a lovely way to start off a new year!

What are you grateful for?

On the days leading up to and following Thanksgiving, our daily photo challenge topic each day was something we are thankful for. After Thanksgiving I also came across a lovely tradition that I'd like to begin next year. It may be a little past Thanksgiving already, but there's no time like the present to actually get started.

For those of you that read this post and would like to join me, please feel free to leave a comment (or even send me a photo you would allow me to post) to express what you're thankful for.

My list is endless of the things I am grateful for, but I'd like to take the opportunity to elaborate on my family and share a little something about each of them that I love and appreciate.

Grandma Ruth - She is as sweet as they come, and I love that every time I leave her house I can always find her at the door or in the window waving to me as I pull away. The sight of her waving goodbye makes my heart swell.

Dad - I think Dad is almost as excited as I am that we finally have a garden to plant in the Spring. His green thumb is one of the things I'm so happy to have picked up from him. Before we left to come home Thanksgiving evening, he told me he had some flower bulbs for us on his workbench. I love and appreciate the little thoughtful things he does.

Mom - Her generous spirit is a blessing, and from her I have learned the tremendous satisfaction to be gained by doing for others. I think like her, I am truly happiest when I am able to help anyone in any capacity.

Michel - She pays it forward. She knows the struggles of being a SAHM, and she has shared some of her experiences and challenges with me. She knows how it feels to be need, and in return she has graciously given to my family when we've been in need ourselves.

Eric - I love his calm. He is gentle with his words and his children. I am louder and more abrasive. He's a quiet reminder to me that I don't need to raise my voice to get my point across.

Clair - He is courageous in the ways he is able to be vulnerable. I love his ability to let his guard down and share with others his struggles and triumphs. He has been sharing his personal affirmations for a year now on his blog Canffirmations. Although his affirmations are personal to him, I can often find ways to apply them to my own life.

Connie - I feel really loved when she gives me a hug. I think my family members all give great hugs, but Connie's radiate a warmth that is extra special. Maybe it's more noticeable to me considering we weren't always very kind to each other in our youth. I'm grateful that we can express our love for each other now.

Carrie - She is thoughtful and always remembers the little things. I like to think she has an excellent Rolodex in her head of important dates and events. Carrie will be the one that always remembers to call and send her best wishes for whatever the occasion may be.

Joy - Her strength and resilience inspire me. Her inner strength is much like a boxer. She takes her blows amazingly well and comes up swinging like Mickey O'Neil.

James - His fun-loving and easy-going nature is contagious. His humor and relaxed attitude is refreshing to be around.

Darius - He is such a hardworking man, and as hard as he works, he's so pleasant to be around when I am fortunate to have time with him. Regardless of his schedule or how tired he may be, he helps me around the house and acknowledges the work I do with the boys at home.

Ben - I love his willingness to help me around the house and his independent spirit. It sometimes breaks my heart just a little when he refuses my help, but at the same time I love that he wants to do things for himself and the satisfaction it brings to him.

Zach - He is social and will talk to anyone about anything. I love that he pulls me into his conversations with others that I probably would not talk with otherwise. He's a great reminder that there's no reason we can't connect with the people we come across each day.

And to each of you....the rest of my family and friends, there are so many wonderful qualities about each of you that I love and admire. I'm truly grateful for each of you and the strength and inspiration I am able to take away from all of you. Part of the reason I am me is due to the positive influences of the amazing people I am surrounded by. I hope to be more mindful of each of you and to take the opportunity to express my gratitude more often.

Much love to each of you.

MI - Dow Garden Goodies

I loved all the beautiful colors in Dow Gardens. I think my brother Eric was on my mind the entire time I was there. I knew how much he would appreciate it. I don't have an ounce of the botanical knowledge that he does. He can probably go through and name each of the species in the following photos.

Birthdays & Banana Peel

It's January and that means lots of birthdays! I love it! Carrie kicked off the month and enjoyed a quiet day at home with her new little guy. I would have gladly spent the entire day with her, but my gross little boys were still off limits from Archer...and I totally get it now why little kids shouldn't have much contact with babies. For example, as I sit here and write this, Ben is next to me on the couch with his big toes (yes, both of them) in his mouth. The list of other gross things they do is long....they lick things which have no business being licked, they chew their toenails, stick their hands down their pants and then sniff/and or lick them, dig around in their noses and lick their boogers or wipe them on things. Little boys are gross!

The following week was full of birthdays...five of them! Celebrating were my siblings Eric and Michel; niece and nephew, Karissa and Ian; and my very dear friend, Brandi. I had plans to make Brandi a cake and thought she would be busy most of the day, so I was only planning on a quick visit to drop it off to her. I was happy that I got a little more than a quick visit.

The boys and I met up with Brandi and her three men at Jump Around a/k/a the Banana Peel which is where her oldest, Ian, works. When I told the boys where we were going, Ben kept asking me when we were headed to the Banana Peel. It took us a while to get it out of him, but apparently Ben calls it that because there's a huge jumping pillow there that he thinks is slippery like a banana peel.

Brandi and I enjoyed a little birthday breakfast and a nice visit while the boys had fun being boys! I loved the opportunity to spend part of her day with her. There was a time several years back when we had lost touch with each other, and it feels wonderful to have her back in my life! She's a wonderful friend, and is such a positive influence in my life.

There are more birthdays coming up...my brother James celebrates this month as well as a delightful little girl who will be turning one. The boys and I are excited to be heading out to Florida next week to celebrate Emma's first birthday with her family and friends.

To each of you with a birthday this month, Happy Birthday! What better way to kick off a new year each year than with so many beautiful individuals starting a new year themselves! Love and best wishes to each of you for a wonderful year, and many more happy and healthy returns!

The Log Book

Last year around the same time, another Canfield 5 visited Coyote Gulch. Dad was part of the mix, and he was disappointed he wasn't with us this year. He asked for us to keep a little log of our trip which we all took turns writing in.

Monday 8/13:

10:15 AM, "I wonder how many times I've been on this road? I love this drive." - Joy on the drive between Thistle and Fairview.

11:00 AM, "Mmmm potato logs." - Clair, stop at Terrel's.

1:33 PM, There's a discussion about gold teeth. Likely it all started because of Dad's gold tooth.

1:37 PM, We may be lost. Where's 4G when you need it? - somewhere in Richfield

1:47 PM, Still lost...looking for the 24 & 12

2:15 PM, Back on track. Stopped at IFA, Joy finds a cowboy hat..yee haw!

3:19 PM, We stop at the Bicknell pickle-pinto bean-buttermilk pie joint. Shocking news, no pie is consumed by our group. Very un-Canfield like. We stretch our legs and take photos. James shares cinnamon bears.

7:47 PM, Turned off 12 towards Dance Hall Rock. Hiked Upper Calf Creek Falls but saw no falls. Lots of rocks are collected on hike.

10:30 PM, Set up tents at Dance Hall Rock. We got our bones shaken on the road. No moon, lots of stars. - Eric

10:30 PM, "MREs are delicious!" - Joy

10:39 PM, Joy bids 39 and is dismayed by Ruth's pass. Walking Stick invades pinochle game, hysteria ensues. - Clair

11:00 PM, Bug death toll....22. - Clair

Site of bug massacre.

Tuesday 8/14:

9:00 AM, Everyone is packed up but me. It's overcast. Boys beat the girls at pinochle. Spider legs is ready to go. Wish us luck. - Bug Smasher

We made it down the crazy steep rock face that should be banned.

6:39 PM, Joy shoots the moon. Time for chow.

7:00 PM Clair discovers he left both his jam for lunches as well as all of his dinner meals in the truck. :(


Wednesday 8/15:

Weird. No snoring. Clair slept in hammock and had yummy Almond Joy-white hot chocolate. Today we are going to walk to the Escalante River.

Joy made James' butt laugh.

Our party camped across from the Bathing Rock.

Sad news, potty house burned down.

Crows defeated 2 days!

Met 1 couple at the "boot arch."

Clair climbed into a questionable potty hole likely used for a dump (TP inside).

Saw a toad with a missing leg. Clair sees a cow skull. Eric sees a dead baby coyote.

Eric dropped new camera in water. :(

Ruth slipped and went "whoosh" into mud and butt chewing bug likely climbs aboard.

Back at camp, bellies full, now playing pinochle. James and Clair win, bugs drive Eric mad.


Thursday 8/16:

Wednesday night was a restless one. Ruth's butt itches, James had toxic gas, Clair hears animal in the bushes, and Eric couldn't find a comfortable position to sleep in. It was much hotter than the previous 2 nights, but we did get to enjoy seeing a few lightning bugs/fireflies.

Sad...trip is over.

What an awesome trip.

 

 

 

 

 

Epic.

 

 

Slot Canyons

Thursday morning we packed up camp and headed up the insanely steep hunk of rock out of the gulch. Up or down, it's a little intimidating whatever direction you're headed. By the time I very ungraciously scrambled up the wall, my blistered little toe was screaming at me. I tried Eric's sweaty thin sock paired with Joy's water shoe with some improvement but not quite enough, so I ended up hiking out with one boot and one flip-flop. Not the smartest idea by any means, but if my little toe could thank me, I'm sure it would.

 

Joy says it's not as bad as it looks. Maybe not, but it's ridiculously close!

The trail head and Suburban were a lovely site, and we all cooled off and rehydrated to get ready for our final hike through slot canyons Peek-a-Boo and Spooky. After making our way through the first slot canyon (I still don't know which one is which), we had hiking directions claiming we could hike a loop that would take us into the next canyon and back out towards the trail head. Unfortunately the directions weren't all that great, and we ended up on a hot and boring stretch of desert until we reached the second slot canyon.

Regardless of the ugly going on between the two canyons, I must say scrambling around in the canyons themselves more than made up for the delay. A great way to end our GSENM trip!