Another Graduate in the Family

Tyson graduated from pre-school.  A fun little ceremony.  Not as formal at Travis's grand walk, but just as exciting for grandma and grandpa.  AND Tyson's graduation had balloons.  Can't beat a good balloon, right?

The House That Greg Built - Almost

This is Greg's current project.  Four bedrooms, four baths, study and guest room.  The ceilings are varied in height with curved doorways and a dome ceiling in the entryway.  Today the rock is going on the outside and the framers were hard at work.  I'll try to post updated pictures later.  Needless to say, we're pretty proud of Greg!

Danny Could Be A Real "Cowboy"

We looked at cows today.  There are 19 fat pregnant Brangus cows and two with calves.  Also one little red shaggy boy calf that will grow up to be a bull.  Danny is considering buying the small herd to have at the ranch.   In my opinion it will then be a real ranch, not just dirt with a barn and satellite TV.  He did tell me that if he gets the cows I am not allowed to bring them indoors - not even the new babies.  Darn.

Happy Birthday Kael

Kael turned One Year Old while I was in Cleveland so we waited a week to celebrate.  It turned into quite a party - more than 30 people there.  There were a few babys, Kael's age or younger, some kids for Tyson to enjoy, and a whole bunch of adults.  The pool was full most of the day, we cooked 42 hamburgers, two packets of hot dogs, and some sausage.   The Half sheet cake was almost all eaten - just 6 pieces left, as were three half gallons of Blue Bell ice cream.  Lots of laughs.  Lots of friends.  Lots of fun.  

Dillon LOVES his Pappy

Congratulations Travis

Being done with school is one thing - but graduating from law school is on a whole other level - with honors even.  We're proud of Travis.  And you can see, Molly and Dillon are excited.  Dillon is already trying on the graduation hat, and Molly is dancing for joy.    It was a nice visit.  I wouldn't have missed it for anything.

Sweet Little Sleepers

Isn't it amazing how cute and girly Dani sleeps, and then we have the "all boy" sleeping style of Kael. Either way, they're adorable when they're sleeping. They're great when they're awake too, of course, but everything is more peaceful when they sleep.

Krispy Kreme Watch Out

Made donuts and apple fritters with the Young Women tonight.  Yummy, messy, and a definite draw for every young man in the building - and many older ones.  The Bishop's councilor came by, but we hand delivered to the Bishop.   Clean up was not as fun as the making, but overall, judging from the giggles, it was an enjoyable night.  And passed off some of their personal progress - knowledge category.  I had to find someone to take the left overs home or I would have eaten them all myself.  Luckily there were young men just waiting to help out.  

We made Apple Cider donuts and buttermilk apple fritters.  YUMMMMMY!!

Why I Love Being A Mother....

Motherhood is such as special blessing for all of us - both kids and moms.  I was looking back on all the "blessing" I experiences with each child as we grew up together.  There are shining moments in each life.   

I remember John's 3-year old impression of Fonzy and the incredible hulk.  His ability to say all 13 articles of faith by age 5.  He was my constant companion during his early years and we learned about being a family together.  I remember the trust he showed when I first put him on a swing alone, and his joy in the smallest of things, like a ladybug on a weed.  I just saw the weed - John saw life.  His letters from his mission that were such a window into his soul.    I have sat in the temple of the Lord with John and seen his reverence for the gospel.  He has inspired me to read the scriptures, pray, and be my best self.  I loved listening to him bless the sacrament, as it was not just  a prayer said by rote, but a communication with his Heavenly Father.  He makes me laugh on a regular basis and has a clear view of the world, without all the junk we let get in the way.  He is patient and caring and strong.  Now I watch him as a husband and father and see the circle has come back around.  My life has been blessed by John.

I remember Amanda's intellect even at four years old as she told stories made up on the spot and figured out logical ways to get what she wanted from others.  Her sense of style as she cut her sisters hair - very Cindi Lauper - and decorated her room.  Her natural leadership that had all  her friends following her around - even in her high school years.  Amanda worried about safety and feelings and love for everyone.  Her vegetarian years showed her tender heart towards animals, and her concern over my care for Beezer, when he came along, showed her belief that she is responsible for the world.  She told me I was not allowed to take Beezer anywhere near water with out HER there to supervise.  Now I see that she is a great, caring mother who shares her love with her family, while still taking charge in social situations to be sure everyone has a good time and gets along.  Amanda inspires me to be creative and humble.

I remember Charlie's sharp wit - she could make anyone laugh from age 2 on.  I remember the day she told Weedie that he was a man who worked for her daddy - although it was the othr way around.  I also remember her one and only time to throw up when she was a baby involved Weedie, and he was her first "boyfriend" and she let everyone know it.  I have never knows Charlie to back down from what she believes in.  Once, when a neighbor wrote me a tacky letter about my noisy dogs and I just wanted to hide until the whole thing faded away, Charlie supported me and tried to call the man.  She is fearless in protecting those she loves.  Charlie has a definate sense of style and always made sure she wore matching hair clips, shoes, and even a matching purse.  She could pose like no other.  Today she runs the office with a sense of humor and loves her children above all else.  I am especially impressed that she disciplines her children away from others to allow them a sense of privacy and respect.  My favorite trait, the Charlie herself may not even know she has, is her ability to feel the spirit of the Lord in her life when she faces hardships.  More than once she has called to tell me how her Heavenly Father showed his support for her, and the fact that she recognized that is very special to me.  It says a lot about who she is.  Charlie has shown me ways that I need to be better.

I remember Greg's complete and total love.  He was the only child who cried when I left him at preschool.  He was the one who put a live cricket in my hand while I was talking to his first grade teacher - and who lost his shoe in a culvert that very day and was embarrassed about going barefoot.  His heart is far bigger than anyone can tell from the outside shell he wears.  Greg also knows all the answers to questions about the gospel, even though he doesn't live according to gospel practices these days.  He has never lost his belief.   I once lost my footing on a ladder in the garage and was hanging from the rafters.  I remember thinking that if Greg were there he would know I needed him and help.  I fell.  No permanent damage, but it was a revelation to me at that moment how much I trust and believe in Greg.  He has always been a natural leader.  Always been brave - sometimes foolishly so - and adventurous.  He works harder than anyone I know.  He cares deeply.  Medina once told me - years ago - that she was amazed by Greg.  No one had ever treated her so kindly.  No wonder she loves him.  I am still amazed by Greg.  He handles life like I should.  Nothing gets to him for long, and he is not afraid of working for what he wants, as well as helping others.  Greg reminds me to be strong and active and to find wonder and appreciation in life around me. 

I remember Beezer as a trusting toddler that ran and kicked a bowling ball his father rolled toward him.  I remember him playing catch with the older boys and trying to keep up.  I remember him cheering on a fellow school mate who was sad that he didn't win a race at track and field day.  Beezer would volunteer to be partners with the autistic boy in class even if that meant that his team would not win.  He recognized that helping and serving was far more important.  I loved driving Beezer and his friends to high school and listening to them sing Sesame Street songs.  I watched him and a friend move a dead tree from the back yard.  The work was made more difficult by Tyson "helping" but Beezer encouraged Tyson completely.  He has a special love for his siblings and his nephews and nieces.  He truly enjoys their company and is quick to help with the babies.  I have watched Beezer with his friends and can see his compassion and love, especially with girlfriends.  He is all boy, but still tender in dealing with others.  He does things his way, while being respectful of my feelings, and always remembers to appreciate anything I do for him.  Beezer's unconditional love inspires me to love more deeply and judge less.

These are my children and I have learned so much from each one.  I want so much for each one.  I pray often for each one.   Being a mother is a lifelong job and I am so happy to have that calling.  

Being a grandmother is a whole new list of wonderful things - but that's for another time.

I have to catch Tyson when I can to get pictures of him for this blog. Usually I only see him a few seconds while I'm handing off his little brother. I got lucky today and he demonstrated his climbing skills for us.

Here come the Bugs!!

Saw our first scorpion of the year last night. Luckily we already had the pest control guy scheduled for today so we shouldn't be bothered by these, or other, buggies much.  Danny stepped up and played hero - he stepped on the scorpion and saved me.

Mormon's on TV -

This is an interesting article about Mormons and their presence on reality TV, such as American Idol and Survivor.   Maybe America is turning away somewhat from the sex and violence of many  show?  www.newsweek.com/id/135758

We harvested lots of lettuce this weekend. It's so fun having things growing in the back yard. I even got to eat one little yellow "pear" tomato.

Dani working out

Dani is working hard to get her legs in shape so she can run with her mommy, or ride bikes with Dad. She'll get there. Just look at the determination in her posture and her death grip on the jumper tray.

Hey, he asked for it.........

Grandma, can I have some of that, please, please, please??????

Oh wow - these carrots are ....... different

I don't think I like them.

Why did you put that stuff into my mouth??? Don't you love me?

Even Applesauce doesn't kill the taste of those smashed carrots.

He loves the babyfood carrots, who knew he wouldn't like the homemade kind?

No Longer is he "Kael the Crawler" - he's on two legs now, baby!!

He is making "great strides" these days. He was a fast crawler - I will certainly have a time keeping up with him now.