Report Card

I think I'm finally coming out of the home school trance I've been in since last fall. What a relief to be done....and I think the boys are in total agreement with me on that one! We survived each other, and trust me it was probably a much bigger challenge on their part to survive me.

I distinctly remember at the beginning of the school year, at an event we attended, one of the speakers discussed with us just how much is asked of a Kindergarten student and how many things they were expected to learn throughout the year. I spoke to that same woman at the end of the year about just how right she was! How amazing a young person's mind is!

I am beyond amazed and proud at how far Ben and Zach both progressed from where they started. There was a period at the beginning to where some subjects were daunting tasks to finish each day, especially when it was their least favorites, and the subjects they needed the most work in. We plugged away and I can honestly say they both worked really hard. And as much as it challenged me, I was rewarded with those great 'light bulb' moments to where I could see their little minds hard at work and the excitement on their faces when things would start falling into place. Those moments were so worth it.

I love these pictures of the boys reading to Grandma Ruth. It doesn't seem so long ago that she was holding them when they were only 6-months old. Seeing her on a regular basis allowed her to see the boys' progress, and she had the most delighted look on her face when they read to her. 

I was given the role as a Learning Coach as we started out, and although I'm more than happy to hand off my coaching responsibilities to an actual teacher, I'm happy to have had the opportunity to gain a better appreciation for just how much a teacher does. I hope the insight I've gained will help me communicate and build great relationships with the boys' teachers and be an extension of their efforts in our home as we move forward. 

We met the boys' awesome teacher, Mrs. Keeler, at the beginning of the school year, and although we saw her many times during the year, it was only on webcam. The boys were very excited to see her at the end-of-year Dibels testing. Having an awesome teacher there to support our efforts, made all the difference.

Our goal starting out was for the boys to be ready for 1st Grade, and I'm more than thrilled to say we reached that goal. As a parent, it's hard to remember not to compare Ben and Zach with other kids their age, and especially not with each other. Life is a really long haul, and regardless of where they fall on charts or how long it takes them to learn certain things, it's the confidence they have in themselves to keep going that I want them to always build upon. If they believe in themselves and put forth the effort, there's nothing they can't accomplish.

I may know a lot of things that my boys don't, but they are constantly challenging me and teaching me things about myself and the way I approach situations. Kids have an enormous amount of awesomeness to impart on us if we're open.

Note to self:  Keep yourself open. 

During the last couple weeks of lessons, we reviewed the play Three Billy Goats Gruff. The boys loved it so much that they put on the play for me. Ben narrated, and Zach did most of the acting. 

Oh how we love her!

We may all be partial to our own grandmas, but I really think my Grandma Ruth is just about the sweetest thing ever. :)

I usually see her every couple of weeks when I clean her house, and I'm always amazed by her health and her ability to get around as well as she does. There are always those days when she may be a bit off with her memory, but she's still very sharp most of the time. Just last month Grandma reached the ripe old age of 94!

I'm grateful for each time that I'm able to see her...especially when I see her on a really good day. Her smiles are contagious, and when she comes to the window or door to wave goodbye to me when I leave...well that just pulls my heart strings every time.

Carrie, Joy, Archer, Ben, Zach, and I all headed up to Brigham City to see Grandma and take her out for lunch the day after her birthday. 

 

It's so easy to forget to take time and appreciate that we're around because of the generations before us...especially when they're far away or have already passed, so for this I'm extremely grateful that Grandma is still here with us, close by, and that we have these opportunities to spend time with her.

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.

93 Years Young

This has to be one of the sweetest sights, and I believe it's why my Grandma Ruth is still with us. I think she wonders why she's still around and what's left for her to do in life, but holding one more great grandchild (a deliciously cute one at that) seems as good a reason as any for her to stick around.

Yesterday Grandma was surrounded by a good deal of her family and celebrated her 93rd birthday. She told me only a few days earlier that she thought she would be alone for her birthday....fat chance. Even I was surprised by how good a turnout there was. I think the last time I saw so many of my cousins was three years earlier at Grandma's 90th birthday party. As my dad mentioned to me later that night, it's always good for family to be able to come together for something other than a funeral.

Usually for Grandma's birthday, my parents would take her to lunch and plant flowers. Since they couldn't be with us, I thought it would be nice for us to do the same for Grandma. We had a little potluck lunch her house, and later several of us pitched in and filled the flowerbeds with what will hopefully be some beautiful flowers in a couple of weeks. Grandma's face lit up when she found out they were all planted.

Even though Grandma has a difficult time hearing anything in a group setting, I could see the happiness on her face as she was greeted by family and watched the celebration. These past few birthdays of hers have been especially sweet, and I'm grateful for each one. I know Grandma's time is running out, as she often likes to remind me, and her birthday is a great opportunity for her family to let her know how much she's loved in a big way.

My heart lifts each time I walk in the door and find Grandma there to greet me with the most loving and genuine smile, and it sinks whenever it's time to leave her. Life at her age is precious, and I'm reminded of that during each of our visits.

I love this woman so very much!

Grandma Great

Have I mentioned before how sweet my Grandma Ruth is? I love this woman so very much! Seeing her face, hearing her voice, holding her soft hands, and watching my kids give her hugs and kisses...it all makes me so happy. She's good for my soul.

 

We headed up to Brigham City yesterday afternoon and enjoyed a simple meal with her. I want to take every opportunity possible to see her while she's still with us. She likes to remind me each time I see her how old she is and how she's the only one left alive in her family. She may be ready to go, but we're not ready to let her go. There are still more dinners to eat at her table, and more great grand babies for her to meet.

Dinner

After a fun and busy day of running around, we headed up to Brigham City last night to have dinner with Grandma Ruth. The last time I was in Utah visiting, before our move here, I spent an afternoon/evening with her. She was concerned that I eat dinner, so we fixed a meal together and sat down at the table to eat. It was just a simple meal, but the fact that we set the table and sat down together to eat was significant to her.

Grandma lives with her son and his wife, and because of their work schedules, Grandma sometimes eats alone or has dinner brought to her in the living room. Now that we're here and able to, I wanted to make the effort to drive up and have dinner with her at least a couple times a month.

Joy was able to come with us, and she brought the movie Hugo, and we all watched it together while dinner was in the oven, and after taking a break to eat, we finished watching it before we left. Grandma just happened to be on her own last night, so we know she appreciated having the company. If we lived a little closer, I'd love her company over dinner every night!

Dirty Water

My parents were busy the last week before their mission with packing, visiting family, moving my sister into a condo, and using up gift certificates and Groupons. After a morning of helping peel wallpaper and scraping off sticky backing in a bedroom at the condo, the boys and I joined my parents and Joy to help them fill a soak for six Groupon at the Crystal Hot Springs in Honeyville, UT.

I can't recall that I've ever sat in a hot spring before. Typically the idea of sitting in any hot body of water doesn't appeal to me unless I'm either very pregnant, sore, or sick with the chills. Upon checking in at the front desk, a very enthusiastic man explained how awesome this particular hot spring was in comparison to all the others across the country and maybe even the whole world....my oh my!

I'm sure there are some proven benefits to sitting in water packed with all kinds of minerals, but at first glance of the pool in which I'd be soaking in, I can't say that I cared much for any such benefits. I get that mineral packed water isn't going to be crystal clear, but I still wasn't expecting a pool which looked like muddy-elephant bath water. I got in regardless and enjoyed the soak as much as one could.

After a nice rinse with regular old water, we headed down to Brigham City for a quick visit with Grandma Ruth and a bite to eat at Call's Drive-In before heading home.

Every time we leave Grandma's house she stands at the back door or leans out the window and waves goodbye to us until we're out of sight. I love, love, love that she does this!

I guess I should have explained to the boys about how the minerals in the hot springs were meant to be soaked in and not ingested because within a mile of my parent's place, Ben started to complain that his belly hurt which was promptly followed by the return of his dinner. I guess he swallowed a little too much mineral-packed water at the hot springs which made him sick. Poor little guy kept saying how sorry he was. He was more worried about the mess he made all over the van, carseat, and his clothes than about his sick belly.

A somewhat good time, but I think I'll pass on the hot springs from here on out.

Birthday Grandma/Girl

My super sweet, awesome Grandmother celebrated her 92nd birthday last Friday, May 4th. I feel incredibly blessed that I was able to be here to share it with her this year. Most of my family was able to get together for a little party in her honor the day after. The day of, Mom, Dad, Sarah, Ben, Zach, and I went up to see her in Brigham City, and we all went out to lunch at Maddox.

 

I am grateful for every day Grandma Ruth is with us. I know her eyes are giving her trouble, and hearing conversations in a group environment is pretty much impossible now, but I'm so glad that she is still willing to attend our very loud family get togethers. I overhead Grandma talking to my mom about mom's (I think the word she used) progeny. My mom kind of laughed and alerted Grandma to the fact that she's just as much behind the numbers. I think it must have felt pretty special for them both to look at a room swarming with children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren that were theirs.

 

Also celebrating a birthday the day after Grandma was my beautiful niece, Saffy. I know birthdays are a big deal to kids, so I hope she felt special and celebrated too.

Making the Rounds

Our stay in Utah after arriving was only for a couple of days, so we didn't have much time to get around to visit family. Lucky for us we got to see all of my immediate family in Utah, Grandma Ruth, and my youngest brother and his family in Idaho on our way to Seattle.

The boys are getting old enough now where they're starting to remember family more, and the homes we visit are becoming familiar, especially the location of where the toys are kept. The boys thoroughly enjoyed our short stay in Utah. It was great to be able to play outside in Grandma and Grandpa's yard with soft grass to run around on, and visit an awesome playground just a short walk down the hill. There were lots of cousins to play with, with almost all those closest in age to the boys being cute little girls. Ben's already got himself a little kissing cousin.

We're never sure when we are going to be back in the area to visit with family again, so it was really nice that we were able to see nearly everyone in the family. Bobby, we're sorry we missed you! Joy, you're the only other one we missed, and we're coming for you very, very soon!

Grandma Great

Last week I headed up to South Ogden again after spending a week with Carrie and Bobby. We stayed in my parents' room and took advantage of the short drive up to Brigham City to visit my Grandma Ruth a few times during the week.

As long as I can remember, Grandma has had this old hairdryer. She still uses it, and it works just as good as it always has.

I love Grandma! I was especially happy that the boys interacted with her more this time around. Usually they're tearing around her house looking for things to get into. This time they brought things over to her chair to show her, Ben asked for her help to put together waffle blocks and looked at a photo book with her, and she even got a handful of kisses out of them with a little help from marshmallows.

I think the sweetest thing next to the kisses was what they did when we went out to lunch with her. I had Ben under an arm and was towing Zach with the other across the parking lot to the door of the restaurant. My boys have yet to learn that parking lots and moving cars in general are dangerous. Once they got across the lot they wiggled free and ran to Grandma, and they each took a hold of her hand and walked with her into the restaurant. So sweet.

A visit to Utah just wouldn't be complete without a visit to see Grandma. I'm glad I had time over several days to spend with her. I think time spent with her is kind of like bonus time. It's worth so much more than just an average day doing the routine stuff. Grandma is like chicken soup for the soul. You can't help but feel like your whole being is just being wrapped up in a soft, warm blanket. Love you so much Grandma.

Life's Good

The boys and I just got done spending a week with my parents in their new home they share with my oldest sister and her family in northern Utah. I think retirement is treating them pretty good. They have a great athletic club just down the road that they regularly visit, they're within an hour of my grandma's house and frequently visit her, and they're able to see family now as often as they'd like instead of just a few times a year. We miss having them in Alaska, but I'm much happier to see them where they are now. Ben and Zach were excited to see them again and enjoyed spending time with them. They were pretty sad when we had to drop off Grandma and Grandpa at the airport the other morning as they headed south to Mexico for a couple of months. Yeah, I don't think they mind retirement one bit. 

The newest addition to their pool of grandkids is super sweet Sarah.

No better way to snooze.



Zach & Grandpa at Grandma Ruth's house.



Taking a bath in Grandma & Grandpa's awesome tub.

Happy Birthday Grandma Ruth!

After getting back from Carrie's and Bobby's reception I put my sick little men to bed and promptly got moving on finishing up my grandma's birthday cakes. Yes, more cakes! I know I'm out of my mind. I didn't accomplish the big beautiful cake for her that I originally had envisioned, but at least I had a finished cake.

The following day we all headed up to Brigham City where all my mom's side of the family were gathering for Grandma's 90th surprise birthday party. One of my aunts had taken Grandma out to get her hair done, so everyone was waiting at her house to surprise her when she got back. I think a lot of us suspected that she already had an idea about the party, but the look on her face made it obvious that she didn't have a clue. She was practically in tears. It was the sweetest sight!

My uncles had been busy making a dutch oven lunch which everyone enjoyed with some yummy side dishes. We finished it off with cake which despite it's looks was still very tasty.

Mom gave Grandma the book some of us helped out with which contained some of my grandmother's history along with some photos. I think just about all my grandmother's children and grandchildren wrote up little tributes which were also in the book. The tributes were about her and our favorite memories of her. For those of you that don't know my grandmother, she is the most selfless and giving woman I know. She has been the constant caretaker of her family, and hugging her is probably the equivalent of hugging an angel.

I can't remember who said it, but at her party someone told her "look at what you started.." and pointed to all her family gathered together. Dozens and dozens of people are already around because of her and Grandpa Grover, and there are so many more still to come.

This shot includes just a fraction of Grandma's family, everyone in my family was present except for Darius and Michel's husband, Brent.

Where do I start?

I'm sitting here in the Anchorage airport waiting for our final flight home. We had such a good trip to Utah. There was so much crammed into the week and half we were there. I was sad to leave, but it will be nice for the boys and I to get home to Darius. Unfortunately he couldn't make the trip with us and we've missed him!

It always seems like there's never enough time to get around and do all the things I want to when I'm visiting, but this time around I think I covered a lot of ground. Anytime there's an event with the family there's usually a good turnout, and it makes it a lot easier to see everyone. Carrie's and Bobby's reception, and Grandma Ruth's birthday party gave me the chance to see a lot of family I haven't seen in a long time.

I was also very fortunate to be able to visit with some dear friends of mine. It was so great to see Kevyn and Brandi while I was there, and to see their kids. I know with their busy schedules it was tricky to find time to meet up, so I appreciate the time they made to squeeze me in. It's always great to catch up in person and exchange a real hug. Love you both!

90 Years

I've spent the last several hours editing a draft of my Grandmother's history. My mom and sister Michel have been working on it, trying to get it ready in time to give to her at her party next weekend. I've had a lot of mixed emotions as I've been going over it, and I've only just reached the part about her wedding.

90 years....that's a whole lot of memories and little stories, to say the very least. How many people leave us before we take the opportunity to sit down with them and just ask them to recall their life? How well do we really know our parents, our grandparents? What was life like for them when they were our age? I don't have those answers, and I'm ashamed to admit it.

Thank you Mom. Thank you Michel. I can't think of a better gift to give someone.

Grandma is a sharp tack, and I'm sure she can recall what's in the pages being put together right now, but there may be a day when she can't. How priceless to have her memories preserved somewhere safe, and not only for her but for all her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and on down the line.

She is an amazing woman. I often don't feel very deserving in sharing her name, but I am very proud to have it. I'm quite sure I'll never measure up to the woman she is, but I figure if my kids and grandchildren love me as much as grandma's love her, I'll be good with that.

Visions of buttercream...

We have an upcoming trip to Utah planned because of a few very special events. My recently wedded sister Carrie and her hubby Bobby have in a way been forced into having a reception. You've got to love meddling, sneaky moms! The other event is a 90th birthday party for my grandma Ruth.

Recently I got a taste of how much I enjoy decorating cakes. I've always loved baking, and so the idea of dressing up something that I already love to make just naturally appeals to me. After our trip to Florida I got to see my friend Patti's "toys." She is much more advanced in the decorating department, and I was literally drooling over all the fun supplies she had for decorating cakes.

About 2 weeks ago I had a conversation with Carrie about a cake at her reception, and she mentioned not having one. Before and during this conversation I was secretly hoping she would ask me to make one for her. I don't know exactly how it came about, but somehow I landed myself a wedding cake project. I couldn't be more excited! Let's just say that my dreams of late have involved baking, leveling, and icing cakes. I'm not obsessed eh? If it's possible to be geeking out over something then I'm definitely there!

Not only do I get to make my first wedding cake, but I get to make my grandmother's cake for her surprise party the following day. I think turning 90 warrants a big beautiful cake.

Gosh I feel like a kid on Christmas Eve...somebody slap me.