18 Years

 Our anniversary was on Sunday but since Sundays are the days we see each other the least, we celebrated early. Friday morning we said goodbye to the kids and went to Salt Lake. We left our car at the bed and breakfast we were staying at and took a walk to Temple Square on our way to lunch. Wondering how the temple is coming along? We were too.

 

Justin could watch this all day. We were almost late for our lunch reservation.

Cranes are great for moving large spools of cable.

I thought about asking these guys in vests and hats what was being built next to the temple. Is it another visitors center or a temple entrance? I didn't ask. I'll wait and see.

After a delicious lunch at Copper Onion we realized we didn't immortalize our sandwiches in photos so commemorated our dessert instead. This cheesecake had a drizzle of honey on top and as not a big fan of honey I thought it was amazing.

 

And then we made the mile long walk to the inn. Up hill this time.

We thought about going on a hike but it was pretty windy as a storm was rolling in so we drove to Scheel's to look at coolers, camp chairs, shoes, grills, etc., but didn't buy anything. Then we went to World Market but didn't buy anything. We were just then starting to be hungry for dinner. By this time it was 8pm and the taco places were quickly closing but we found a place for shrimp and seafood tacos that came with tomatillo dressing and they were delicious. Then we got big chocolate chip cookies at one of those trendy cookie places and it was good.

The view when we got back to the room.

A view of the capitol building from the landing in the inn.

Then we played pool and drank complimentary La Croix from the mini fridge. La Croix has a weird aftertaste but that's actually THE taste.

While Justin explained the rules to 9-ball, I took some pictures of the main floor.

It rained most of the night and into the morning so we woke up to this incredible sky.

I had the pancakes for breakfast and Justin wouldn't wait for me to finish my bite before taking this picture.

Justin had this elaborate toast which is now his new favorite breakfast. 

After we checked out we drove to an indoor swap meet in West Valley. I don't know if you can be any more classy than that on an anniversary trip. It was not what we were expecting as it was 100% new Hispanic goods and services (a barber shop!) and not used stuff. We were the only white people. We didn't buy anything but I enjoyed looking at all the stuff and pretending I was in Mexico.

Then we went to another part of West Valley to follow up on a lead I had for an authentic gordita. It was the smallest restaurant I've ever sat in but the food was great and the operator was so sweet and loved talking with Justin once she discovered he could speak Spanish. Then we went to Smith's to use the bathroom (the restaurant didn't have a bathroom) and bought some ice cream to eat on the way home. The end.

On Sunday, our actual anniversary.

I like him.

Last days of school

The school year seems to wind down earlier and earlier. Sarah's final orchestra concert was on Henry's birthday. She did a great job and even accompanied the orchestra on the piano. She had so much fun and did a great job. She's not taking orchestra next year because there are other classes she wants to take but she may join again junior year.

 

Erica's fourth grade put on a program all about Utah. They dressed up in western clothes and sang songs

and square-danced! It was pretty cute even though most of the kids looked like they were being tortured.

James and his friends were getting a head start on nice summer evenings. I sure hope they recreate this picture in 10 years.

Desk cleanout leads to mega backpack cleanout once they get home. Erica had fun showing me all the work she was so proud of and then threw nearly all of it away. 

Looking at James's work I asked him if he was always bored at school (Yes!) I love this dragon he drew.

 

First day vs last day. 

  

And now I'm sad. I don't like any reminders of how fast they are growing and that time just keeps marching on.

I don't think I can overstate how much Erica loved Miss Blaisdell. Everyone loves Miss Blaisdell but Erica loved her with all her heart. After having such a hard time with her third grade teacher Erica needed her. Erica was pretty emotional all the last week of school and didn't want to talk about the year ending. According to her, Miss Blaisdell was pretty emotional too and cried on the last day. When I picked Erica up she had been crying and sobbed most of the afternoon until her friends came over. I am so grateful for Miss Blaisdell and all teachers who put their whole heart into their jobs.

James's teacher Mrs. Murdock is retiring after this year. She is such a wonderful person. After meeting her just once at the beginning of the year I told Justin I think I just met my new best friend. She just has a way of making you feel so important and interesting--perfect for these little first graders. James is going to miss her too and is sad he won't see her around the school next year. But she lives across the street from the school so James says he's going to stop by all the time. His student teacher who he also loved will be teaching first grade next year so he's excited to see her again.

All my kids had such great years. Next year Sarah moves to the high school and Henry to the junior high so here's to more change. Always change.

We took the kids out to lunch and then tried to be most accommodating to hang out with friends. Sarah went to a party a couple of streets over, Henry went to Luke Fuller's to play video games, Erica had two friends over for a late night (they ate hamburgers and watched The Incredibles) and James went to Calvin's for scones and whatever shenanigans 7-year-old boys do until dark.

Mother's Day 2024

Here are the fun things my kids got me for mother's day.

Sarah put together this planter at young women's and I love it. Let's hope I can keep it alive.

A note from Henry

Cards from James

And awards and cards from Erica

They also got me some of my favorite treats.

After church and French toast brunch, we went to my mom's house to wish her a happy mother's day and give her a gift. I have the most loving and supportive mom in the whole world. She has prayed for me every day of my life. We then went to Justin's parents' house to give her a gift too. It's fun having them so close.

After our dinner of ribs and mashed sweet potatoes (so that Sarah would have something to eat) we had frozen yogurt and Russian cream for dessert and played hand and foot.

I was nice and waited to take our mother's day photo after Sarah's wisdom teeth cheeks weren't swollen and bruised.

I love this kids so much. They make me laugh (and grit my teeth and roll my eyes) every day and are each other's best friends. I love listening to them sit around talking with each other about pleasant things and getting a glimpse of what the rest of their lives will be like even when Justin and I aren't around.

I tell my girls (and any girl that will listen) that being a mom is the best "job" in the whole world. (Motherhood is a calling and a role but I get how it gets lumped together with occupations.) It's the only job that has all the jobs. At one time or another a mom is a: chef, nurse, maid, organizer, hair stylist, chauffer, repairman, interior designer, party planner, occupational therapist, speech therapist, mental health therapist, teacher, tour guide, financial advisor, academic advisor, photographer, pastry chef, librarian, events coordinator, tutor, coach, cheerleader, life coach, lifeguard, nutritionist, fashion consultant, employer, taste tester, art critic, proofreader, crafter, referee, judge, gardener, administrator, answering service operator, dental hygienist, sanitary engineer and seamstress to name a few.

I also tell them it's not the hardest job. Soldiers and air traffic controllers, brain surgeons have the corner on that. But it is the most important. A woman is replaceable in an occupation. She is irreplaceable to her husband and children. Go and stay where you matter most. 

It is hard to be a mom but anything worth doing comes with conflicting and swaying emotions. You can feel like you're good at it and feel like a failure. You'll feel like you want to quit and that you never want it to end. 

This is my favorite quote about motherhood. President Holland quoted these words of a mother in a talk from 1997 and I was blessed enough to find them when Sarah was a baby. (I now have a goal to be quoted by President Holland. Could you imagine??) Link to talk here.

“Through the thick and the thin of this, and through the occasional tears of it all, I know deep down inside I am doing God’s work. I know that in my motherhood I am in an eternal partnership with Him. I am deeply moved that God finds His ultimate purpose and meaning in being a parent, even if some of His children make Him weep."

Henry Turns 13

Thirteen? How did we get here?

We started the celebrating early. On Monday evening we had grandparents over for dinner. Henry requested triple bacon burgers with french fries and onion rings so that's what we did. I made his cake while he was at school and later that afternoon I handed him the piping bag and told him to go for it. 

I think it turned out great. It was white cake with whipped ganache filling and Swiss buttercream frosting. (How many more years until he's taller than me?)

We sang outside and we had to be quick or the candles would blow out.

Money from my mom and dad and Ruffles from Justin's parents (the rest of their gift came later...football cards and an elephant squishmallow)

Tuesday morning for his actual birthday we had crepes for breakfast with strawberries, syrups and whipped cream from a can.

Then he opened presents. I think he really likes his new BYU tie and shirt.

He also got a hammock, some snacks and treats, some ball storage, shorts, and a yoga ball.

The littles were under strict instruction not to play with his yoga ball after he left for school.

That afternoon and evening was pretty crazy which is why we had his birthday dinner the night before. I took Sarah and James to piano and then while they were there Erica and Henry and I went to Reams to buy some doughnuts for him to share with the deacons that evening. I dropped them off at home and then picked up the piano players. Then I drove Sarah to the high school for her orchestra concert rehearsal. Then I drove home and the remaining four of us ate leftovers for dinner (Henry got another bacon cheeseburger so he was happy). Then the littles and I left for Sarah's concert at the high school and Henry stayed home hanging around for a half hour until he got a ride to his YM activity. Justin was busy prepping for his priest's activity and came to the concert in time to see Sarah perform. Then he left the school for his activity, I brought the 3 kids home, Sarah changed for YW and then she went to the church. Whew!

 (And just to be clear, we didn't choose church activities over celebrating his birthday. Sarah had to be at her concert since her grade depended on it--that's why we celebrated Monday so she could be there and not fail and that opened up Justin and Henry to choose to go to their activity if they wanted. Henry had a lot of input on what they did for the activity.)

I was feeling guilty that he spent the entire afternoon of his birthday doing I don't know what because I was driving around so much. But then he came home at like 9:30 all grins and talking fast about his fishing activity with his deacons quorum. 

Then his leader shared some pictures and I felt better. He had a great time and his quorum is full of friends.

Friday night he had a friend party. Thirteen means he can have a big friend party. He invited 19 boys and I think all but 2 came. I set out some pizza and a cooler of sodas and backed away slowly.

They played night games and ate and played some more for two and a half hours.

I was worried some of the kids would get bored like my nephews and a neighbor that aren't in his grade and don't know many kids but I think it went okay. 

Here are a few things about Henry:

1. I have to say goodnight to him every night and it's quite the routine. After watching him show me some random stuff he has me choose the color of his nightlight and I ask him about the book he's reading. Then he asks me what we are doing tomorrow and then we say I love you and good night. I may not mess with this routine.

2. He fed a neighbor's horse every day for four months. Seven days a week. He never forgot and never complained.

3. He loves all vegetables except tomatoes which are technically a fruit so he loves all vegetables.

4. He is super interested in gardening and is taking an agriculture class in the fall.

5. He's playing tackle football this fall and is super pumped about it. (I am not excited.)

6. He can make it home from school 9 minutes from when the bell rings. It is 1.5 miles away.

7. I have no idea what his favorite TV show is. He watches like the Mr. Beast type stuff.

8. He likes to cook and has written down the recipe he created for butter noodles.

9. He wants a phone so bad. 

10. He thinks we are the strictest of parents because we don't have video games, don't allow sleepovers, and he only gets 30 minutes a day on the computer. It was an interesting conversation.

Happy birthday, bud. Please be a pleasant teenager.

Here's his birthday interview.