Sky High

Emry was born on Thanksgiving Day (2000), this year her birthday fell on the day after Thanksgiving so it was fun to celebrate with Glenn's family in Clovis.  From left - Mark, Glenn's younger brother with his 4 boys, Glenn with our 3 & Glenn's older brother Scott with his son.

All Emry wanted to do on her birthday was go to the local trampoline park.  She went online to figure out directions and hours.  She typed up waivers for everyone.  She talked on and on about how excited she was.  She made sure we got there plenty early.  I sprung for the  2 hour time slot knowing my kids could easily go for 3.

Doh!!!!!!!!!!  This is what happens when you want something so bad.  About 30 minutes into jumping Emry rolled her foot not jumping, but tripping on the mat walking off after getting tagged in dodgeball.

Luckily her Aunt Thira was there and has had experience through her years of playing college volleyball to know what to do.

Emry is unstoppable and actually went back out there on one foot.  Her foot was black and blue and I could tell it hurt but I could also tell she was itching to just JUMP.

So we went and got ice cream.

All in all a great day with the cousins.  If anything it will make her 12th birthday all the more memorable.

Thanksgiving 2012

My sister-in-law Amy told me we were to dress as Indians & Pilgrims for Thanksgiving............ apparently she wasn't kidding.  Here are her two boys Spencer & Steve, so funny!

The past 3 years I have hosted Thanksgiving and as much as I love having my family here, it was really nice after all the birthday parties to just get away & let someone else do most of the work.

We spent Thanksgiving with Glenn's family in Clovis, CA.  We stayed with Glenn's sister Amy, her husband Dave and their four children.  Amy and Dave are wonderful hosts, they had Pero stocked, homemade coconut scones were made, card games were played until late, late at night, and of course they not only put up with but lavished love upon my children.

This picture doesn't tell the whole story.  We had 39 people at Amy & Dave's for a Thanksgiving Feast!  It was loud, it was rowdy, and it was GOOD!

This was one of two tables outside.  It was slightly freezing cold, but we just told the kids that's how the Indians & Pilgrims did it.  And then we locked the door.

My father-in-law bakes his own pumpkins for pumpkin pie.  When I ate it topped with fresh whipped cream it was still warm and too good for words.  By the time I left Amy's house I had tried every single pie, that's why egg whites featured prominently in all of my meals today.

The Wallwork men.  Scott, Keith, Landell, Glenn & Mark. 

Yawn.  What else is new?

Glenn's mom and sisters are outstanding cooks so it was such a treat to enjoy all of their yummy homemade food.   Mother LoRane, sisters Karen & Amy. 

This was a  2000 piece puzzle we worked on for hours and put together maybe 150 pieces.  I have a feeling it's in the trash right about now.

My kids can't be near a pool and not get in.  It was freezing, the pool wasn't heated  & we didn't bring bathing suits.  That didn't stop my kids.  They swam for all of 5 minutes.

Emry, Lila & Ethan.  Definitely grateful for these cherubs in my life.  Love them so much.

Here's a self-portrait taken Thanksgiving night because as usual I was so busy taking pictures I didn't get any of me with my family.  I swear I was there and I have the extra  pounds to prove it.   I am just planning on eating good & exercising tons so I can.............. gain it all back during the Christmas Holidays????? Arrrgggghhhhh!!!!

Annnnd....she's 12!!!

Holy Moly was it loud in my home Friday night.  During the planning of Lila's party I started feeling bad about not doing a party for Emry so I turned to her one evening and said "Emry, would you like to have some friends over for a birthday party?"

Not five minutes later she came back with a list of games they would play and invitations she had made on the computer. Apparently she had given it some thought and was just waiting for me to say the word.

They were the cutest, nerdiest invitations ever.  There was some crazy math equation on it and Emry wrote that whoever could solve it could keep all her birthday gifts.

The food was so low key it was embarrassing, but it was all stuff Emry wanted and after the previous party I was more than happy to get pizzas at Costco, open a few bags of chips, put out the rest of the Halloween candy and call it good.

Here is Emry and 3 of her friends that are in "Fiddler On The Roof" with her doing a dance number from the play for everyone.  Theater geeks unite.

Seriously though Emry is a dream come true for me.  I was the shyest most insecure kid ever so to see her just be herself, work it, live it & not care what anyone thinks, I couldn't be happier for her.

The kids did a scavenger hunt in our neighborhood, a guess the celebrity when they were young game, put on crazy clothes when the music stops game and a find the swedish fish in a tin of whip cream game.  Good times.

To my first born, my darling daughter who will be taller than me any day now.  The one I go to when I need a reminder on how to retrieve a text message, help with the printer, or anything having to do with my nemesis technology.  The one who dances with me, cleans my bathrooms and will snuggle in my bed by my side to read.  The kid I have to remind to maybe eat a meal before dishing up a humongous bowl of ice cream.  The one I pin all my hopes and dreams on.  Too much?  Ok, but you're so smart, charismatic and fun I wish it were Freaky Friday and I could trade places with you.  You took the best of me, the best of your dad, added in spunk, laughter and a killer curiosity and came to be the funnest, cutest 12 year old I ever met.   Love you more than pony heaven (& that's the highest heaven).

Emry turns 11

Ready or Not

 

I got a phone.  It's overwhelming and I am sure it's awesomeness is lost on me but it's here and eventually I'll grit my teeth and learn how to use it.  It's the iphone 5.  Glenn bought it for himself, was unimpressed, went back to his old phone and threw this one in my direction.

My kids are beyond excited, my friends are relieved and I am sure once I learn how to use it I'll be happy I have it ................if I remember what it can do.

You see, a few weeks ago I was running with Glenn's iphone so I could listen to Pandora.  About halfway through my run I heard a call come in.  Oh no, it was a client of Glenn's & what if it was important?  If only there was a way to get a hold of him and let him know.  I was nearing an intersection where I might come across a fellow runner, a kid on their way to school or a car stopped at the light.  Surely they wouldn't mind letting me borrow their phone to make a quick call.

What to do, what to do, if only I had a way to get a hold of him.  I am picking up my pace nearing the intersection when all of a sudden it dawns on me that I could use my Pandora thing-y to call him.  Brilliant.

This may take a while.

When you wish upon a Star............

 

Lila Glenn turned 10 and a pink party was in order.  She had about a dozen friends over for pink food including pink grilled cheese sandwiches, pink popcorn (it's not a celebration if there's not popcorn!) some crafts & a doll fashion show.

I couldn't have done this party without Emry and her friends.  They decorated, learned how to do the craft on youtube an hour before the party started, made awards and were in charge of judging the fashion show.  They were so cute and interviewed each girl and asked about all their dolls favorite things and talents.  Of course each girl got their own award fitting to their doll.  Utterly Adorable.

Lila sporting the hat and boots she got as gifts, & the necklace craft we made.

As much as I love the kid parties, I was really excited for the next night when all Lila's adult friends, who happen to be my friends :), came over for a dinner party.  This Raspberry Truffle Cake was so rich and decadent.  I guess I take after my mom in that I made enough food to feed an army.  Guess I won't have to cook all week :)

Clockwise from left - My parents and Lila - Katelyn Downs, Emry, & Maddie Dixon - The Dixons, he is the Bishop of our ward and we love their family - Jeannette & our friend Sarah.

The moment I've been waiting six weeks for (ever since it arrived in the mail).  Honestly I've never been more excited to give anyone a gift than I was this doll to Lila. The American Girl Caroline doll.  She is absolutely beautiful.  Ethan & Emry gave her the set of Caroline books and my parents gave her an outfit.  That hat - it kills me, it is beyond words precious.

It truly is more blessed to give than to receive as seeing Lila's reaction to her doll was more fun for me than anything and everything I've ever received combined.

Glenn & I are very aware of not spoiling the kids.  Of teaching them how to work hard and be responsible.  Making sure they are considerate of others needs and not just thinking of themselves.  That school is a priority.  But sometimes ............sometimes it is breathtakingly beautiful to throw caution to the wind and make all your child's dreams come true.  To get them the one thing they've been wanting for 4 years.  To throw fairy dust up in the air and witness the magic it creates as it falls down all around them and takes their breath away.

Caroline had 4 outfit changes that night.  A few hairdo experiments.  Dozens of hugs.  And if a doll could feel loved (which I believe they can) then she must have felt utterly adored.  I watched Emry & Lila kneeling in front of the doll crib for a good 10 minutes tucking her in.  Putting another doll next to her so they could sleep together.  Making sure the blanket was perfect.  Tucking in her pet owl as well.  Emry is probably as excited as I am for Lila.  They both went to bed talking about all they would do with her the next day.

Glenn & I take parenting very seriously, but as well as all the hard work that goes into these kids, thankfully our job also includes making sure they have enchanted memories like these that will hopefully stay in their minds forever.

Cold Water

Glenn came home last Thursday night with a grin on his face and I knew something was up.  He said, "Hey, I think I am taking off to Santa Cruz to watch the Cold Water Classics".

I said "Great, when?"

He said "Right now", and 10 minutes later he hopped in his truck with his business partner & drove 8 hours north to watch a surfing competition.  Apparently him & Eric specialize in surfing and watching other surfers.  It must be a legit job because we have food on the table.  

They ran into my brother who lives in Santa Cruz and is married to the ocean.  Yes you can be married to the water.  He is the most loyal, doting husband ever, making sure he's in the water every single day of the year.  He's dedicated to his family like that.

Nielsen & I would play hooky from school to watch this same competition years ago.

This is my brother Nielsen's dog Nessa (pictured w/ Glenn).  Nessa will just pace back & forth on the beach for hours waiting for Nielsen to come in from surfing.

This is our San Jose family.  Left front is my girl Marisa.  I have known her since I was 12. We would always introduce ourselves as "Marie & Marie-sa",  she is completely awesome and knew me back when I was a complete nerd.  Don't try and say I wasn't Marisa because we both know I totally was.

Going counter-clockwise from Marisa - there's Deborah and Sean, Eric, Tiffany & Brandon, Glenn, & Troy (Marisa's husband).

Just seeing this picture makes me laugh because all these boys are HILARIOUS!!!!!!  Honestly, they make me laugh so hard and they all just feed off each other it's the best thing ever in the whole wide world to behold.

I miss you all & next time I am in.  Ten minutes is more than enough time for me to pack.

Weak in the Knees

In the 6 years I've dealt with Rheumatoid Arthritis it's never affected my knees.  Until now.  It started out of the blue last night and progressed as the night went on.  I was at a youth activity for our church with all of these teenagers b-bopping around trying to walk normally because heaven forbid I be seen as some sickly old lady they can't relate to.  By the time I arrived home I had to pop some pills and literally fall into bed as I couldn't bend my knees.

I am not sure why but for some reason, having it in my knees makes me feel old.  It conjures up images of people who can't walk, can't run.  That would be me right now.  I've always exercised through the pain but when you can't bend your knees,  what can you do? 

It's the weirdest thing for your body to betray you.  I've made many mistakes in my life but abusing my body hasn't been one of them.  I remember as a  child seeing a  small boy in a wheel chair.  He had no legs.  The image literally took my breath away and has stayed with me to this day.  From that moment I have never taken my health for granted.  Ever.  A healthy body is the greatest gift I have. As I said my prayers that night I let Heavenly Father know how grateful I was for my legs.  My hands.  My heart.  Everything.  I still say it.  Every night.

I am not perfect but I eat good (dare I say great), I get plenty of sleep, am spiritually fed and am very active so what gives.............

What gives is I have peace of mind knowing I did nothing wrong.  I know we are all given challenges and trials that with the Lord's help we can if not conquer, live through.   It's just life, the way it has to be.

I turned off  the comments because I already know how those who care about me feel.  I don't want a pity party, I don't want anyone feeling sorry for me, I couldn't take it.  But know that I am aware of your thoughts and I appreciate it.  You are all in my thoughts too.  Every one of you.  I know at any given time we are all dealing with loss, heartache, pain, loneliness, frustration, or a myriad of other emotional & physical trials. 

I've made an appointment for my treatment next Thursday.  It's the soonest I could go.  I am like a junkie now just waiting for my fix.  I can't even put into words how excited I am.  I feel blessed beyond belief to live in a day & age when this treatment is available (also to have a husband that's footing a very expensive medical bill).  I think all the time about people who lived with this pain before any treatment was made available.  I can't even imagine.

If you are able to.  Take a walk for me today.

Kylee Marie is 15

I'll take any opportunity to call Kylee (front in the blue sundress) by her full name :).  My sister Jeannette's (center in stripes) firstborn turned 15 yesterday, only 1 more year until she's behind the wheel.  She's a typical teen who loves texting and clothes, her friends and having fun.

"Emry & Ethan, can you not smile for 1 picture?!?"  That's it, I am only taking pictures of Lila from now on.

Jeannette worked for days prepping Thai food for Kylee's birthday dinner.  It was heavenly.  My sister served a mission for our church in Thailand for 18 months when she was 23.  So as well as teaching and helping the people there, and having to learn one of the hardest languages, she picked up on all sorts of tasty tips to prepare authentic Thai food.

Satay Chicken, one of my kids favorites!  I took a few other pictures of the food but deleted them as darkness, shredded veggies and an amateur photographer make for a bad combination.

My sister Jeannette & my namesake (close enough :) )  Happy Birthday Kylee, we all love you so much!!!!