15 South

Lila with her friend Audrey

I am about to sound really bratty, but it was ANOTHER beautiful day at the beach.  When the kids were all little I actually dreaded going because it was such a hassle, but now that they're older it's so fun.

And even more fun when Glenn's able to come with us.  The kids love going out in the ocean with him, they know I am a stick in the mud & only go in the water maybe once a year.

Ethan & Glenn playing ball.

Audrey, Lila and Allie in the fort they built.

It was a super fun day with lots of friends.  We go with friends but also inevitably run into people we know as well.  There were a lot of us & I am going to guess there were about 40 kids between us all.  I am not even sure how we kept track of them all.

I guess it seemed more of a lay in the sand type of day.  Here's a bunch of mom's talking keeping track of their kids out of the corner of their eyes.

Finding another use for boogie boards. 

 
Using one for real.  Ethan is getting so good.  Or maybe that's just the mom in me talking.

This is the closest I could get to Emry.  You can't really tell but she is SO far.  She is a great swimmer, pool & ocean, but she is definitely one who likes to push the limits.  Either that or she thinks she's a fish.

Time to fill up the van with sand.

Trial by Life

My best friend Shauna lost her mom 3 weeks ago.  It was sudden & unexpected.  She was in great health, 57 years young and died right in her sleep, no warning, nothing.

My family drove the 2 hours north to Santa Clarita ( a suburb of Los Angeles) on Saturday to be with her family and attend the Memorial Service.  Shauna spoke so eloquently as she always does and made us all laugh and cry.

Shauna did not grow up religious.  Her parents never married and they were both alcoholics, how's that for a happy childhood?  But her parents always loved each other & got along and although it was a continuous uphill battle her mom quit drinking for good with the help of AA.

Shauna found religion through a cute boy she met at college.  She knew if she wanted him she would have to get her life in order and change a few things.

Our religion is not an easy one.  My own brother says it's not for converts (and he went on a mission!).  True it is not for the faint of heart.  To be a Latter Day Saint requires lots of work & lots of faith.  But the peace that comes from living our gospel is the biggest blessing.

Although I should be an expert on my religion having lived it my whole life Shauna is truly such a wonderful example to me.  She continually leads by example and is ever so patient with my downfalls.

Her faith has been tested much as of late.  She gave birth at 26 weeks to her 7th child who will be in the NICU for another month.  A few weeks later her mom died.  While she was in Santa Clarita ( a six hour drive from her home in San Jose) getting her mom's house in order she got the call that her 11 year old son broke his arm at Scout camp!

Did I find a basket case when I arrived to be with her.  Not at all. I found a strong woman with faith that could move mountains.  I mean that literally.  She is of course heartbroken to have lost her mom, her kid's grandmother, her sadness will I am sure continue to surprise her when she least expects it, but I know she is not bitter.  I know she holds no resentment to God for the onslaught of trials lately.  She is still happy to be a mom.  Happy to have a husband she adores.  Happy to be supported by her friends right now. And happy to be alive!

I know Shauna & I know she still gets on her knees everyday to thank God for all the many wonderful blessings she has.  It's who she is.

I also get on my knees and thank God to know her.  She is wonderful.  She is strong.  She will get through this.  She will not be brought down.  She will not break. 

Lakeside

When my brothers were here a few weeks ago Glenn & I took all the kids to the lake to play.  Not actually to the lake but a little water park by the lake. It was fun watching them run all over the place having fun with each other.     Above - Kylee Roberts, Emry & Lila Wallwork, Iree Mitchell, Keira Roberts

I am laughing at this picture because I just wanted the 2 boys but at the last minute Keira literally jumped into the picture.  That girl has a way of working herself into any shot.

Nathan & Keira Roberts, Ethan Wallwork

Glenn is soaking up some rays, him & I are opposite that way.  You'll always find me huddled in the shade while he's always seeking out the sun.  Soak it up Glenn, it just means I'll always look younger than you which is fine by me.

 
Look who came to say hello?

Glenn with Emry & Ethan.  I don't get all mushy on this here blog but I love this picture.  Glenn is a fantastic father and the kids adore him.  The other day we were asking them if we got divorced (hypothetically of course, we're just weird parents who ask those kind of questions) who they would want to live with.  They all said their dad.  I think Emry's exact words were "We love you mom because you're sweet and nurturing and read to us and stuff, but dad's just more fun".  I am taking credit for choosing a seriously great dad for my kids.

Glenn & Ethan.   heartbreaking

Whaddaya know?

Another fun day in the sun.  Check.

Showtime!!!!

After months of practice it was opening night at The Children's Theater in Old Town Temecula for the production of "The Wizard of OZ".

Lila was a Munchkin, a Flying Monkey and an OZ citizen (costume above).  Emry was cast as 'The Guard'.  We were all stunned & amazed at how big Emry's part was.  She had tons of lines and solo singing parts, & this was her first play!   Yup my heart was bursting through Emry's entire performance.  I don't think it was pride though, more like happiness that she gets to have this amazing experience that I could just tell she ate up.  She was definitely in her element.

Glenn's parent came down from Fresno to witness 2 stars being born.

My parents stayed in town an extra day (before leaving to visit family in Utah) to see the show.

L to R - Glenn's parents Lanny & LoRane, Glenn & Ethan, Jeannette and her 3, my parents, me

 Emry & Lila with both sets of Grandparents after opening night.

Our good friend Chris brought 3 of his 4 kids to see the show.  His wife is a professional photographer so I am sure she will love this photo.

Now can I just get a family picture?  Just one, not a big deal right?  I mean I see so many other families who have great family photos, it shouldn't be that hard. 

"Lila come, we're taking a family photo.  I do see Ethan and Nathan wrestling I'll get him in a minute".

"Got Ethan (literally by the hand), can you stop being a diva Emry so we can take a picture?"

"Got Ethan with one hand, Lila with the other, and divaness continues".

"Ethan, where are you going?  Not you too Lila".

"Glenn, I've got Ethan, pretty please come take a family picture since you ARE the father to these crazies".

"Keira stop photo bombing our shot.  I love you but you are not my kid.  Outta the pic please".

"I am happy, I am smiling.  I am the only one".

 "Good!"

"Wait, I can't leave well enough alone.  Maybe I should take off my spectacles".

"Money shot.  It only took 10 tries".

Emry & Lila, no I didn't spring for the shout out in the back of the program, I can do that on my blog for free!  So here goes - You both are spunky, energetic, funny and brave.  You've logged many a hours into this play and let me tell you it was worth it.  It was a treat to see you both perform.  To see the culmination of all those hours come to fruition on stage was totally worth it.

You both are superstars.  Always have been and always will be in my book.  It is a joy for this former extreme shy girl to see you so bold and fearless.  Watching both of you putting your whole hearts into this was magical. 

You will have many opportunities to shine.  I am not perfect but I am strong and my love for you both gives me a super strength I never thought possible.  So I will continue to love, encourage, build you up and fill your life with opportunities to help you stretch and grow. 

Just remember to always be grateful.  To always be kind.  To let jabs roll of your back and come back with a smile.  Working with a cast of over 100 was fun but I know you had your moments with some girls.  Don't be a mean girl.  Never be a mean girl.  You are both far too lovely for that.

Shine On Girls!!!!!!!!

Summer Slumber

Ethan has been begging forever to sleep in his sister's room.  Since it's summer and apparently we are on no sleep schedule whatsoever I thought it'd be a good time to give in to this request.

I just up and put his mattress right on the floor between their two beds, Ethan is the happiest boy ever.  He doesn't like having his own room and feels left out on all the fun, exciting night time talk the girls do.

I love seeing them in bed all reading their books and then an hour later they're conked out because our days have literally been non-stop fun.

There's something so sweet about seeing all your babies lined up in a row in dreamland.

I hope no matter how big they get, how old they turn or how smart they think they are........ they know they are never truly complete without each other.

Brothers & Sisters

    Kyle (# 7), Jeannette (#3), Adam ( #8), Marie (#5) Nielsen (#4)

My brothers were in town.  This always means a good time for all as they are fun, loud & crazy.  Adam lives deep in the mountains in Northern Ca, Nielsen lives in Santa Cruz, Ca, and Kyle lives in Utah and isn't going anywhere as his daughter lives there.

Some people prepare to see family by getting their hair done or buying new clothes.  My family tries to outdo each other with how long we've gone without washing our hair or how cheaply our clothes were bought for.  My mom is so proud I am sure.

Adam always wins as we're not sure he owns a bar of soap and we always force him into a shower.

I thought I was conservative but my brothers oh my goodness, I am not even sure they think women should vote.  But then again they think we should do away with government completely.  They're not too keen on cops which is funny seeing that cops always want to talk to them.

 When my Grandpa died he left behind his beloved coin shooter.  I guess it's Adam's now and once he started looking for treasure he turned into the Pied Piper.  He couldn't shake those kids no matter how hard he tried.  He did find an iphone so the kids thought we were rich.

My brood.  I've finally found a sunblock that works on my 'paleskins'.  It's made for surfers and it's called 'headhunters'.  That stuff does not come off!  My kids actually return from the beach paler than when they left.

Anna (Adams girlfriend) , me, Anna (Kyle's fiancee'), Jeannette

 Kyle, Anna & Iree 

Getting hitched next month.  Anna is smart, funny and couldn't love Iree more.  My brother's no dummy.

Rugrats.  Interrupters of conversations, bottomless pit stomachs, always needing to be watched, I need a drink-help me build a sandcastle-take me surfing-let me make myself as sandy as possible before you put more sunblock on me kids.

Time to go......

 

I love you all but it's good you left.  I don't think mom could fit any more food into her fridge, although I am sure she'd be happy to try.