Mother's Day

Because it was my day off, I didn't get too many pictures. I was very relaxed yesterday because my husband did such a good job taking care of me and the boys. We started the day off with church, then came home to change and get a picture. This put us on the road to Corona at about 10:45am or so. Abuelita was brilliant this year. She prepared everything in advance so we had the chance to really visit with her. Well I guess she had the chance to really visit with Ryan.They got Jackson the perfect gift. Hopefully his lyrics will be clean though :)
The nice thing about pumping is you can REALLY take the day off :)
We headed to the Anderson's around 4pm and had another wonderful meal prepared by my father-in-law, "Cosmo". Then we had a pie competition and Curtis won yet again. I think everyone is getting really tired and this and I think I overhead some evil plotting - we will see what happens on Father's Day. Our day ended around 9:30pm or so and we were so ready to sleep. BUT when I got home I read this email - it says it all!!!!
Why we cannot live without moms.......so true
Mom and Dad were watching TV when Mom said, 'I'm tired, and it's getting late. I think I'll go to bed' She went to the kitchen to make sandwiches for the next day's lunches. Rinsed out the popcorn bowls, took meat out of the freezer for supper the following evening, checked the cereal box levels, filled the sugar container, put spoons and bowls on the table and started the coffee pot for brewing the next morning. She then put some wet clothes in the dryer, put a load of clothes into the washer, ironed a shirt and secured a loose button She picked up the game pieces left on the table, put the phone back on the charger and put the telephone book into the drawer. She watered the plants, emptied a wastebasket and hung up a towel to dry. She yawned and stretched and headed for the bedroom. She stopped by the desk and wrote a note to the teacher, counted out some cash for the field trip, and pulled a text book out from hiding under the chair. She signed a birthday card for a friend, addressed and stamped the envelope and wrote a quick note for the grocery store. She put both near her purse. Mom then washed her face with 3 in 1 cleanser, put on her Night solution & age fighting moisturizer, brushed and flossed her teeth and filed her nails.
Dad called out, 'I thought you were going to bed.' 'I'm on my way,' she said. She put some water into the dog's dish and put the cat outside, then made sure the doors were locked and the patio light was on.
She looked in on each of the kids and turned out their bedside lamps and TV's, hung up a shirt, threw some dirty socks into the hamper, and had a brief conversation with the one up still doing homework. In her own room, she set the alarm; laid out clothing for the next day, straightened up the shoe rack. She added three things to her 6 most important things to do list She said her prayers, and visualized the accomplishment of her goals. About that time, Dad turned off the TV and announced to no one in particular. 'I'm going to bed.' And he did...without another thought. Anything extraordinary here? Wonder why women live longer...? CAUSE WE ARE MADE FOR THE LONG HAUL..... (and we can't die sooner, we still have things to do!!!!)

Good Times

Have you noticed how many of my good friends live far away... will this pattern end any time soon?? Well the summer brings weddings and weddings bring visiting friends! It was wonderful catching up with Brit Friday night at one of our old time favs - Rattlers. You know you have a great friend when you can get together for the first time in who knows how long, and it feels like you haven't missed a day together.

And isn't she so cute pregnant! Saturday morning Andrew knew it was time Ryan and I needed a little alone time. Andrew needed to head to Acton to get some of our stuff from storage, so he took Jackson with him. Ryan was VERY relaxed after his shower and slept in his "shower waiting chair" while I finished showering, got dressed, cleaned up, emailed, etc. I think he knew he wasn't vulnerable down there due to his brother's absence.
Our little man did enjoy his time with daddy - it was good for everyone involved. I think the best part was Jackson being able to sit in the front seat of dad's truck, how exciting!
After naps we headed to the park for Andrew's ward softball games - yes games, plural. It was actually really nice to be out all afternoon because it was gorgeous. Andrew had a blast spending two days in a row with his brother and good friend Matt. Matt's wife Michelle joined me for the second game. The first game was entertaining, the second, well I am glad Michelle was there to keep me company :)
In the bushes already... crazy boy!
I love this shot because Curtis is at bat and Andrew is running the bases.

Thanks Julie!

HILARIOUS!

Getting So BIG!

Kathryn's Wedding

A friend from our "home ward" got married last weekend. It was so much fun mainly due to the live music they had. Below, you can see her sister perfmorming - she has one of the best voices ever! At the start of the night, Ryan was wide awake, ready for the festivities.Jackson spent a lot of his time photographing the guests. He even took a few of me and Andrew and he made sure my hand was rested on Andrew's shoulder for every shot. Sadly he didn't get us in the pictures. But below he got his aunt and uncle.
Between photo shoots, Jackson hit the dance floor. He really was a ladies man that night. I think the groom better look out!!It was a lot of fun but it did take a lot of energy - they were all beat!

Eyebrow Massage

Rubbing our children's nose is something we do to try and calm them. My dad has done this to us and so it was passed on to my kids. Then Aunt Tori started rubbing Jackson's pressure point by his eyebrows and she has always rubbed his palms. Well Jackson is making it his duty to pass that down too. I walked in on him doing these things to Ryan one day because he was crying. I was too amazed to capture it then, but this was the second time I saw it!

In other news, these floaties actually help! He amazingly kept them on and as I was getting dressed, I looked up to find Jackson, in the middle of the jacuzzi (we have been swimming in that because it's luke warm) paddling and kicking as he held his head out of the water. Needless to say I jumped in and got him out, but I was impressed at their assistance.

I IS A COLLEGE STUDENT

My sister Bri is now going to school to become a MEDICAL ASSISTANT. We found it very interesting but exciting to see her all decked out in her scrubs going off to class. The nice thing is she is only minutes away from us now so she is able to stop by to see the boys. Way to go Bri - we are all so very excited for you!!

PS - I had to capture her first time, that I know of, holding Ryan.

The History of Our Moves

6/03-7/03 Our parent's houses and a few vacations spots! **Free rent
8/03-6/05 Malibu on the Pepperdine campus - still hasn't been topped :( We only left cause we weren't allowed to stay! **Lifelong friends and amazing experiences!
6/05-6/06 Woodland Hills guest house - gorgeous but oh so time to move once Jackson was born. **A way cute place and a chance to stay close to our friends.
6/06-6/07 Simi Valley condo - we left because Andrew thought, "Hey, let's move to Utah this Summer and try to flip a house and see if we like it there and spend time with family!" I am always up for a move, so why not. **A great new friend and a reunion with some old ones from Hawthorne.
6/07-8/07 Orem Utah 3bdrm house for much less than any of our other little places! We left because we were pregnant, needed insurance and my job, and just felt it was time. **Nothing money could buy! We had no clue the reason we were to move to Ut., was to have more time with Wes. Amazing the way the Lord works. Everyone thought we were crazy, but it was a move out of nowhere we just had to make. And how much harder would the grieving had been had we stayed and continued to have Wes in our everyday lives. This is something we will never regret.
8/07-4/08 Our Acton flip house because it didn't sell :( But it was time to move when the commute for Andrew was too far and the house was way too big for my liking. **This house did not work out like we planned - but I am learning that not much does and that is ok. I learned years ago that you always want to life the Lord has planned for you because you can't be happy any other way. This house has caused us much stress and hardship, but we would never regret it because it brought us more time with Wes, more time with family, and more time learning about one another.
4/08-?? Our new condo in Canyon Country! **I can't wait to see!

It's interesting to look back and remember something specific we gained at each location. So you asked why we were moving again, and here is my long drawn out response. A little delayed, but here :)

Red Marbles

I was at the corner grocery store buying some early potatoes. I noticed a small boy, delicate of bone and feature, ragged but clean, hungrily apprizing a basket of freshly picked green peas. I paid for my potatoes, but was also drawn to the display of fresh green peas. I am a pushover for creamed peas and new potatoes. Pondering the peas, I couldn't help overhearing the conversation between Mr. Miller (the store owner) and the ragged boy next to me. 'Hello Barry, how are you today?' 'H'lo, Mr. Miller. Fine, thank ya. Jus' admirin' them peas. They sure look good.' 'They are good, Barry. How's your Ma?' 'Fine. Gittin' stronger alla' time.' 'Good. Anything I can help you with?'
'No, Sir. Jus' admirin' them peas.' 'Would you like take some home?' asked Mr. Miller. 'No, Sir. Got nuthin' to pay for 'em with.' 'Well, what have you to trade me for some of those peas?' 'All I got's my prize marble here.' 'Is that right? Let me see it' said Miller. 'Here 'tis. She's a dandy.' 'I can see that. Hmmmmm, only thing is this one is blue and I sort of go for red. Do you have a red one like this at home?' the store owner asked. 'Not zackley but almost.' 'Tell you what. Take this sack of peas home with you and next trip this way let me look at that red marble', Mr. Miller told the boy. 'Sure will. Thanks Mr. Miller.' Mrs. Miller, who had been standing nearby, came over to help me. With a smile said, 'There are two other boys like him in our community, all three are in very poor circumstances. Jim just loves to bargain with them for peas, apples, tomatoes, or whatever. When they come backwith their red marbles, and they always do, he decides he doesn't like red after all and he sends them home with a bag of produce for a green marble or an orange one, when they come on their next trip to the store.' I left the store smiling to myself, impressed with this man. A short time later I moved to Colorado, but I never forgot the story of this man, the boys, and their bartering for marbles. Several years went by, each more rapid than the previous one. Just recently I had occasion to visit some old friends in that Idaho community and while I was there learned that Mr. Miller had died.. They were having his visitation that evening and knowing my friends wanted to go, I agreed to accompany them. Upon arrival at the mortuary we fell into line to meet the relatives of the deceased and to offer whatever words of comfort we could. Ahead of us in line were three young men.
One was in an army uniform and the other two wore nice haircuts, dark suits and white shirts... all very professional looking. They approached Mrs. Miller, standing composed and smiling by her husband's casket. Each of the young men hugged her, kissed her on the cheek, spoke briefly with her and moved on to the casket. Her misty light blue eyes followed them as, one by one, each young man stopped briefly and placed his own warm hand over the cold pale hand in the casket. Each left the mortuary awkwardly, wiping his eyes. Our turn came to meet Mrs. Miller. I told her who I was and reminded her of the story from those many years ago and what she had told me about her husband's bartering for marbles. With her eyes glistening, she took my hand and led me to the casket. 'Those three young men who just left were the boys I told you about. They just told me how they appreciated the things Jim 'traded' them.Now, at last, when Jim could not change his mind about color or size...they came to pay their debt.' 'We've never had a great deal of the wealth of this world,' she confided, 'but right now, Jim would consider himself the richest man in Idaho'. With loving gentleness she lifted the lifeless fingers of her deceased husband. Resting underneath were three exquisitely shined red marbles. The Moral: We will not be remembered by our words, but by our kind deeds.Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breathaway. Today I wish you a day of ordinary miracles –

Anal

I have often been worried about how my son's anal personality will play out in his life. But then there are times I LOVE it - Like when I am doing the dishes so he goes in his room to get his dirty sippy cup so I can wash it.

FHE

Last week we sang Primary songs.
This week we read about Noah's Ark.
Next week - who knows: check this out for ideas!

Wes' Graduation

When we got word BYU was going to honor Wes' graduation by having Paige walk for him, we all knew there was nothing that was going to stop us from being there. Babysitters, subs, time off, and lots of money, we all made sure we could be there to honor Wes. This is something he worked so hard to accomplish.

The night before he passed, Andrew was on the phone with Wes listening to Wes plan out the next couple years of his life. He was so excited that he just got word of his upcoming graduation. Wes was filled with joy, excitement, peace - how could we not be there, we know Wes was!!

DAY ONE - Andrew gets home from work at about 3:34pm and Annette, Richard and the four of us take of to LAX. It was a great flight, Jackson read and ate and Ryan slept. And my palms became sweaty only twice.

Shay and Valu and his brother came to greet us at the airport. From there we all headed to the Cheesecake Factory. We did not arrive to Provo until midnight or so. But hey, a great meal and free cheesecake due to bad service, all worth the late night.

DAY TWO - The graduation brought mixed emotions like most things dealing with Wes these days. On the way there, we were all very excited, Paige a little nervous because she didn't know exactly what BYU had planned for her, but excited for the most part.

They asked Paige to sit on stage with the faculty. Then later had Paige get Richard and Annette to sit with her.


Tears came from most of us when the graduated entered the room. We all could only imagine the excitement that would have been exploding out of Wes. Paige walked across the stage before the rest of the diplomas were handed out. She was so graceful - we all admire her strength and love for Wes. The standing ovation was so much to take in. This video is awful, I am sorry I wasn't really on top of it.
After the emotional graduation ceremony, we all headed to linner and on the way, we tried to lighten the mood.

We only thought it right to then go visit Wes. Kioa brought flowers to the graduation so we took them to Wes. We aren't yet sure where he is, so we guessed.


DAY THREE - I was in jeans and a shirt when Paige said I should change. I am so glad she did because the hike up the the "Y" was more than I was prepared for. What a strenuous experience - but oh so appropriate.

Shay fell BEFORE our hike - she must have been throwing a boulder, not a tiny rock!
About 1/3 of the way there!
The two that are the most in shape - way to go guys. I made it 1/3 of the way with Ryan... Ryan would have been left there if it wasn't for Chris rescuing us!
Poor Andrew had to carry himself and out 28pound son... it was a killer.
WE MADE IT!

The view from the "Y" was amazing.

Have we all become golf lovers or what!?!?!?
Chris was so impressive as our time went on - I think he will become a golfer for sure.
Did I mention Annette had her knee replaced two or three weeks ago - It's incredible all she can do now.

It was Eric's birthday (Paige's step-dad) and Tori went all out as she does... Party Time!
Paige and Chad were anxiously waiting for the homemade sushi! We miss Wes!!

SUNDAY - The Last Day :(

The basement of our house looks INCREDIBLE. They have done such amazing work she Andrew and I packed up last August. We are very impressed but sad we couldn't finish helping. But it's great to go back to the house and admire Wes' work.
I am so blessed to have amazing sister-in-law's. This trip was so memorable and uplifting... Love them so much. The plane ride home was at 8:55pm instead of 5:20 - such a bummer but Jackson was a stud.
When we were walking to the shuttle to get our car, Jackson insisted on rolling Gamma's suitcase - people, just about everyone we passed, stopped to admire him and he pleased them as he waved hello. Such a trooper at 10:30 or so last night.

We all needed to get away - there was no other place I would have rather been this weekend. This was a vacation better than I could have expected. It is such a comfort to be surrounded by people struggling with the same thing you are. We are blessed to have one another and we are blessed that we can lift one another's spirits. Thank you to all those that shared this experience with us - it is truly unforgettable.