Seminary Reunion Party

 At the beginning of November I asked my class of 2019 seminary kids if they would be interested in getting together after Christmas for anyone who happened to be in town. Twelve of my 18 babes were able to squeeze me into their schedules. A couple were on missions and a few families have moved away, but I was so happy to see their sweet faces and revel in their goodness for a few hours.

As I mentioned to them later, "I love you all so much!! Thanks for coming tonight. I fully concede not being the main attraction, but I am still so thankful to have you in my life if even for just a few hours! Continue to keep me posted on your lives!!"

Backrow left to right: Ashley, Brooklyn, Jillian, Natasha, Jordan, Calvin, Emily, Aimee, and Serafina

Front group: Matthew, Wyatt, and Caleb

I love these kids and will always think of them as my own.

Christmas Sunday

Last night we went to bed with the faintest hint of snow with the promise of less than an inch total. This morning we woke up to 4 or 5 inches of beautiful and magical winter wonderland. Church was cancelled which meant we did church with my parents at their house this afternoon. But this morning we reveled in more family bonding time.

After the kids had snowball fights of their own outside, Matthew and I joined in.

We went sledding down our perfect hill.

We enjoyed just being outside.

The kids enjoyed building a snow ghost and being buried alive while Matthew and I shoveled the driveway.

And then both kids indulged in bubble baths with bombs they got in their stockings yesterday. 

When we were clean and warm we headed back outside to walk to my parent's house for church. I charged the kids with either writing a talk about something they liked from the Living Christ Proclamation or singing a Christmas hymn as a solo. Both chose solos. Matthew I prepared very short remarks and my father ended with his testimony. I may have loved it all more than I do Christmas Sunday at real church (which is saying a lot). We played some more outside and inside and then ended up at home to learn and enjoy one of the games my sister Megan gave us for Christmas. Again, absolute perfection. The most perfect of Christmas weekends.

Christmas 2021

Now that we are all as protected against Coronavirus as we can be we have many opportunities to see family for Christmas traditions. Melissa invited us to her house for Christmas Eve and nativity. Matthew and I were open to going but when we put it to the kids they opted to stay at home. They reasoned that with all the social time they were getting that week they would need a day just for our family. I respected their decision and kind of loved it too. 

Dude asked for one of the simplest meals I make which elicited much cheering when I eagerly said yes (Chicken and Broccoli Pesto Pasta). We got a pie and some cider and decided to really enjoy our day together. Matthew and I especially loved that the movie we had elected to see at the movie theater ended up being on Disney Plus allowing us to stay in jammies ALL DAY. It was such a completely lovely day made so wonderful at joyful together time with my favorite people on earth.

Christmas morning the kids woke up bright and early at 6 but didn't come out of their room until 7:55 - the time they decided would be an acceptable time to start Christmas. Color me impressed at their intense willpower. Matthew and I were both well awake by the time they came to check on us (I had even showered).

The kids did an amazing job at being thankful for everything they received. We had a lovely breakfast and eventually made our way over to my parents' house for an equally lovely afternoon with them, Melissa, Jared and their families. Everyone was happy, food was yummy, and all was perfect in the world.

By the time we got everyone tucked in there was just the faintest hint of snow on the ground. Complete Christmas perfection. 

P.S. When I asked the kids what gift Christ gave them this year both said they were grateful He gave them the Covid Vaccine. Matthew and I agreed and then added we were grateful Christ gave Matthew a new job. 

Christmas Kid Dates

This is one of my favorite Christmas traditions we have. Each year Matthew and I take one of the kids for a date/shopping excursion. We go out to dinner with our respective child and buy a present for the other sibling as well as a gift for the other parent. 

Last year I had Dude so this year I took Luca. We quickly got her present for Dude squared away and then, after she rejected all other dinner options, I suggested we try out a section of town dedicated to food trucks. She was equal parts skepticism and curiosity. We looked at the 20ish trucks surrounding this indoor eating area before finally landing on a Crab truck for Luca and a Greek truck for me.

Luca was over the moon excited about getting her beloved crab for dinner. It took her the better part of an hour to eat the crab legs but for her it was all part of the adventure. There were many times the table in front of her looked like it had snowed crab but then she would consolidate it into a manageable lump and eat it. There was nothing she didn't love about the experience, except maybe that after so long of eating crab she still wasn't full. Good thing I couldn't get through all my dinner.

I don't have any pictures of Dude's outing with Matthew, but I will say that he was determined and adorable about what he wanted to get for her.

It's a good thing we don't do these dates until shortly before Christmas because they get way too impatient to exchange their presents. It was all we could do to have them wait just the one day.

School Friend Playdates

I was recently approached by one of the moms of Luca's school friend, via a message sent home, about getting all the girls of their friend group together for a Winter-break playdate. I was game, Luca was SUPER-game, and so all the moms planned an outing.

Meanwhile, Dude has recently gotten into playing Magic the Gathering. He saved up his money, bought some cards (which then inspired Matthew to buy his own) and learned to play. He took them to school for a few days and taught a few friends to play but was quickly squashed by a recess attendant. I guess students aren't allowed to bring in games and toys from home to make it easier for attendants who would have to continually monitor which activities were school appropriate and which items got lost (they do already have an over-flowing lost and found). I get it. But I was so excited for Dude to finally have his own thing to do and his own friend group at school since he really has no outlet in our neighborhood or at church.

But thanks to the example of the mom of Luca's friend I sent Dude to school with notes for the moms of his friends. One of the three responded and so we set up a playdate for him as well. 

I am happy to report that all playdates were successful. Kids had fun, everyone stayed safe and follow up plans are in the works. I am happy for Luca, but I am especially happy for Dude. 

Gingerbread Houses 2021

 

My kids look forward to making gingerbread houses every year. In 2020 we opted not to participate. This year since we were all recently fully vaccinated and boosted we felt ready to join in family events again. The kids were so excited to go, see cousins and decorate their houses. 

My brother Jared recently switched jobs making it hard to get away on a Monday afternoon to drive up to my sister Melissa's house - the traditional gathering place for all things gingerbread. So instead, we went to him. What a fun evening for everyone. I guess it's only been since this July that we saw each other but it feels so much longer, especially for Dude and Luca who have been pining for time together.

I especially loved the Angel Moroni Jared sculpted for his temple out of saltwater taffy, I also love the "birdhouse" Charlotte made, Sauron's all-seeing eye tower, and the replica of Notre Dame. I love that my children made diagrams Sunday night of what they wanted their house to look like which then dictated the candy I bought for them this morning.

On the way home both gingerbread houses collapsed. The kids were completely despondent until I told them it was actually a blessing in disguise since it meant being able to freely eat the house now instead of simply eating the candy they could pull off at any given time. It took a bit of convincing but when they took big bites out of their walls the next day, I don't think they had any remorse.

Total win. Thanks go to Melissa for making yet another year's worth of gingerbread cookies and frosting. And thanks go to Jared and Charlotte for opening up your home for such a lovely and much needed evening of together time.

Christmas Nativity

 

The kids opted not to go to my sister's to reenact the nativity with them like we normally do for Christmas Eve. They decided that with all that was going on the week leading up to Christmas they would need some time at home just us. I could appreciate and respect that so we let the kids have their way. But we still needed some nativity in our life, so the kids created their own manger complete with Tiger Mary, Bear Joseph, lamb baby Jesus, Minion Shepherd, and accompanying sheep and unicorn, Owl angel, and other miscellaneous adoring animals. I thought it was a pretty great and creative way to recreate our dear Savior's birth, and one, I think He would be ok with. I mean, do you see how loving that Mary and Joseph are with their sweet little Lamb?

Kid's Covid Vaccine - Shot 2

Yesterday the kids got their second covid vaccine and Matthew and I both got our boosters and a flu shot. So thankful to be done, so thankful that the second one went even more smoothly than the first.

Luca was still nervous about getting the second shot but did so much better at controlling her nerves. It helped that while we were waiting our turn a boy about their age was getting his. This boy was a kidney transplant survivor and was veteran at all things shots. His dad informed the nurse he would be watching a show on his phone during the whole procedure. So genius. We could totally emulate that solid plan. I quickly pulled up a compilation of cute cat videos and directed Luca's attention to it and away from her anxiety. No crying, no tears, she was a super champ. I couldn't believe what a difference it was from the first time around.

Dude was a champ as always, and then Matthew and I got ours. We celebrated with more Mod Pizza and Crumbl cookies. By that evening we were all complaining of sore arms, everyone except Dude. We took some meds and went to bed.

We promised the kids they could stay home today if they were feeling the effects of the vaccine but that if they were feeling well they could go to school and get a special treat for not taking advantage of a lazy day at home. In my mind it was a win-win for them. Dude opted to take a slow start to his day, but when it was evident he was fine I took him to school. Luca initially felt fine enough to go to school, but after a few hours felt awful and was sent home with a fever. Matthew and I both felt tired and not great for most of the day.

But that's ok, because we know that tomorrow we will all feel right as rain and then we can look forward to a bright future filled with holiday gatherings and new year extracurricular activities with so much less worry. Hooray!!

After Thanksgiving Adventure

Before I get into what we did the Friday after Thanksgiving, I feel like I should give a shout out to Aaron and Marie to hosting a lovely feast at their house. They have two babies and a toddler so instead of asking them to come to our house, we went to them. A casual, yummy afternoon with food, family and fun games.

The next day, we were invited to join a family friend to go to a rock climbing gym in Portland where we could climb with ropes (the climbing gym in Salem boasts no such appeal). We headed up in the morning, and had so much fun. 

Matthew and I had all sorts of fun climbing. I am ready to go back any day. I was a bit surprised that after the kids' successful climbing this summer they didn't get higher, but they sadly, quickly got blisters, going to have to figure out a solution for that, and were done. Eventually Matthew and I tired out as well and we left to get lunch and further our day out.

The next stop after lunch was Powell's. It feels like we were just there, but if you are going into Portland, you kind of have to - especially since we always need new books to read together as a family.

And then it was over to Moonstruck for shakes before heading back to Salem.

Last stop on the adventure day was a game store. Matthew got a new game and Dude discovered Magic cards. It's not something I want him to get into since I have heard stories of boys spending way too much money investing in them so I told him as much. Later that night Matthew and I received a contract from him asking us to let him spend his money any way he sees fit. After careful review, some discussion as a couple and with him, we amended the contract to add that before he makes any purchase we might not agree with he must consider our reasons against it. With that edit, all parties signed and dated and we now have a much happier child.

It was a big day with way too much money spent, but a fun day I would love see made a new tradition for the day after Thanksgiving.

We also had tons of fun hanging out with Matthew's brother Michael. It was a fun treat having him all to ourselves for the day.

The Magic of Christmas is Dead

At least for Dude.

It all started a few months ago when I bought some stocking stuffers at the mall and carelessly left them in the back of my car and the kids found them. Dude became very suspicious and asked too many questions which were ultimately deflected with "if you continue to ask questions, it will all be returned." They eventually got relocated to the top of my closet but were again found when he went searching for the Halloween candy I purchased for our trunk or treat. Questions were again asked and again deflected, this time with, "do you really want to ruin Christmas?"

After that episode Matthew and I started discussing how long children hold on to their belief in Santa Claus. We have never promoted Santa, but we have also not come out and told our children He's not real. Basically, we have promoted total neutrality on the subject and let our kids believe whatever they wanted. It's not that I'm anti-Santa, I'm mostly just lazy and don't want to go through all the extra work to encourage that belief system. I also have a fundamental hesitancy with lying to my children, even in the name of childhood magic. But no matter what I have done or not done, what they decided on between the two of them is that Santa brings what's in their stockings. Ok, by me. If they wanted to give Santa credit for goldfish crackers, candles, slime, and whatever else Matthew and I can find in Target a week or two before Christmas, I could handle that.

But with the attention drawn to already purchased stocking stuffers, I knew it was only a matter of time before it all unraveled. And then came my careless remark to my sister-in-law while driving to the pool. I mentioned that I had bought a tie for Dude and had asked Matthew if we should include it in his stocking. Somehow Luca wasn't paying attention (to engrossed playing with her 2-year old cousin), but Dude for sure was.

"Wait, what? Do you put everything in our stockings Mom?" he asked from the backseat of the car.

I thought about it for a moment and then decided on the truth, "yes."

"Mom, are you pulling my leg? Do you really put everything in our stockings?"

"yes"

Still not sure he completely believes me he tells me he will be paying very close attention this year.

When we got home I went to tell Matthew of our conversation in the car. Matthew was glad that I was the culprit and not him and commented that it was probably for the best. And then I heard Dude on the other side of the door, "I heard that!" Double whammy.

Dude was on the verge of tears for the rest of the night. I tried getting him to talk to me, but despite a quivering chin he was bound and determined to hold it together and not discuss it. Not with me, not with anyone. He's awful at keeping secrets but he managed to keep this one to himself.

The next morning I finally pulled him into my room where he confessed that the magic of Christmas was dead for him but that he couldn't ruin his sister's childhood the way I had ruined his. Honestly, as sad as I was for him at that moment, I was also incredibly proud of him. I'm not sure I've ever seem him act so compassionately toward his sister and they have a really good relationship.

The following week while his sister was at a playdate, I asked him if I had completely ruined Christmas for him. "No," he said, "just the stocking part." I was relieved, again, stockings are really low key items. I proceeded to tell him that now that he knows he gets to have input on what goes into his stocking. He immediately forgot all about being sad. I showed him the treat he already discovered twice (a set of 4 Harry Potter Lego brickheads) and let him pick out which ones he wanted in his stocking. He also requested specialty candy canes.

A week ago he was absolutely devastated. Now, there is not only no trace of heartbreak, I have found a new way to bond with my son. Every time he brings up Christmas and Santa to his sister, he does so with a conspiratorial wink to me. It is so funny and endearing. I love this sweet boy of mine.

Phillip's Quilts

Back in February, when all of Phillip's family was in town for his funeral, his oldest daughter asked if I would make her a quilt using her father's dress shirts. I felt honored to do this for her. My sister-in-law, Phillip's widow, then asked that if there was excess material, and if I had the time, would I make quilts for the rest of her children. Again, of course. I was then, and still feel so grateful to be able to use my talents in this way.

They are done and have been received so I feel at liberty to post them here.

Caitrin's quilt. These started with her. And this is one of the patterns she chose. I especially love how I incorporated the pockets at the top and quilted around them so they could be usable.

Madalyn's quilt. As I was making Caitrin's these blocks became extraneous. I couldn't think of a better use for them than to make a sister quilt for her sister.

Conner's quilt. I cut out a bunch of blocks and sewed them together, cut them up and found a fun way to sew them back together.

Parker's quilt. Just as Madalyn's was the sister quilt to Caitrin's, this is the sister/brother quilt to Conner's. Same idea, different design. I kind of love the similarities in either set of quilts.

Brenner's quilt. After 4 quilts I finally ran out of dress shirt material. That's ok, Phillip's polos hold special significance for Brenner so it was only fitting that the special miracle baby get his own special quilt. My favorite thing about this quilt was that the binding is from a curtain I had made for Phillip's door to his apartment. Somehow it felt so fitting to use that reclaimed material on something for his son.

Two things I learned from this project. 

1. Making five quilts basically at one time, even if they are only throw quilts, is a BIG project. I definitely needed a break from sewing after the last one was completed.

2. I felt Phillip and his love for his children and his gratitude so deeply through the whole process. Even if he is now on the other side of the veil, he is still very much their father and is still intimately aware of their lives and needs.

I have no idea how most of them felt about their quilts, but I will always feel honored that I was entrusted with such a beautiful tribute of love for this sweet family.

Kids Covid Vaccine - Shot 1

I have been closely monitoring the child version of the Covid vaccine since I was fortunate enough to get mine. Last Tuesday when they announced the Emergency Use Authorization I started hunting for the first available shot. Through the kindness of friends we got hooked up with a local hospital providing pediatric doses. Tonight the kids got their first shot.

When I first broached the subject with the kids about it a few weeks ago, Dude was super excited and Luca was nervous about the pain and potential side effects. Driving out to the hospital, the emotions didn't change. It didn't help Luca's cause that some boy in her class cautioned her that she might die from the shot. Thanks kid.

The whole process was a bit chaotic but crazy easy and we were in and out within 10 minutes. Dude, ever the champ promptly and proudly pulled up his sleeve, took a few deep breaths and it was over. You would have never have guessed that they just stuck a needle into his arm, he was that stoic. Luca whimpered while waited her turn, whimpered while they pulled up her sleeve, and cried after the shot. Honestly, I think her nerves got the better of her and made the whole experience more painful.

Afterwards, we got Mod Pizza and frozen yogurt (with 3 whole toppings) to celebrate. I am excited what this will mean for family events this holiday season. I am excited that I will feel comfortable sending them to extracurricular activities this next year. I am excited that hopefully they will have less opportunity to have quarantine at home should they be exposed. 

Here's to one more milestone in our family's efforts at returning to some semblance of normal.

Edit to add that Dude never complained about any side effects. Luca had a sore arm for a day.

My birthday - 3 Miracles and Some Tender Mercies

I had a pretty awesome birthday.

It started off with Miracle #1 - Straight out of bed and ready for the day hair. Right after we dropped the kids off at school, Matthew and I headed to the temple. And since I can't seem to wake up before 7am, it meant that I only had 20 minutes to get ready. Thanks to Miracle #1, done.

Tender mercy - That sweet birthday present from my little girl. You might not be able to tell but she is holding a heart and we have heart-shaped lips. I got very emotional opening her present, complete with her endearing card claiming me as the best mom ever. I love my darling Luca May.

Miracle #2 - I LOVE going to the temple, but being in the temple often means me inadvertently falling asleep. I can't remember the last time I stayed awake through an entire endowment session. Today I did. I was so proud of myself and so thankful for the overwhelming love I felt from my Heavenly Father - not because of anything that I do, but just because I am His daughter.

Miracle #3 - The only two things I really wanted to do today were to attend the temple and go for a long walk. We've had so much rain this last couple of months that I wasn't sure how doable a walk was going to be. I also wasn't sure if I was going to have to go by myself. I texted some girlfriends but wasn't expecting any answer. My darling Emily jumped at the chance, saying that she had been feeling the same way (wanting an afternoon walk but not knowing if anyone would go with her). I did, she did, and we went. Six miles up and down hills. We got rained on for a few minutes at the beginning but then the rain switch got turned off and we enjoyed the rest of the time with gorgeous weather. Miracles all the way around.

Tender mercy - By the time I got home from the walk, it was just about time for the kids to return from school. I expressed my desire to shower, but Luca claimed that I didn't deserve just a shower, I deserved a luxurious bubble bath. I had zero problem agreeing with her and happily thought as I was drawing the bath that every mom deserves a Luca in their life. I watched part of a movie in utter serenity.

I finished off my birthday celebration with a yummy, healthy salad which left me room for this sweet baby - a smores cheesecake I made yesterday. It is sooooo good. I don't even mind making it, it makes me that happy. I shared a little bit with friends but I was more than happy to continue eating it over the next few days.

Thanks go to Matthew for taking the day off work to help me celebrate, my darling children who worked so diligently to craft gifts they thought I would love, dear friends and family who sent loving phone calls, texts, and gifts, and my Heavenly Father who masterminded such a completely perfect day.

Girls' Night/Day

For the last 24 hours I have had the privilege of spending time with these exceptional women. A year ago during a mental crisis I asked them to come with me to the coast for a couple of days. They readily agreed and now we have a tradition of heading to the coast every six monthish. They are amazing, and husbands are amazing for recognizing how crucial these times are for everyone's survival. It's been a busy week between birthdays, vaccinations, and primary Sunday so I wasn't sure I was up for more. 

I was, mostly because they are so amazing at filling my cup, even if this time we only did one night. Driving out was treacherous. Flooding and lots of standing water made the trek crazy scary. But then lo and behold, the morning dawned completely and utterly breathtaking and we enjoyed a rare warm and sunny day on the coast. 

I love these wonderful faith-filled women and our very honest, faith-filled discussions. This time topics ranged from funerals and mushroom death suits to children to our claims to fame. I am so blessed with good friends, and I am thankful they call me theirs.

Monopoly Milestone

 

I love my children, I love playing games with them but there are games I would much rather play with them than others. Chutes and Ladders, Life, and Monopoly are all games I would be ok not having to play again. 

With Chutes and Ladders, we started playing the repentance version where you only went down any given slide once. If you landed on it again, you didn't have to re-slide since you had repented of your mistake which includes forsaking that particular sin. It made what sometimes feels like an interminable game into something slightly more tolerable.

Life isn't so bad but the hard feelings when someone is making way more money than another person or someone gets to steal your coveted salary card, was just too much drama. Our main rule with this game was having to know how to read before you were allowed to play.

Monopoly is another one of those quintessential interminable games. I'm not sure I've ever played this game with my children without a 30-45 minute time limit. At that point we have two winners, the one with the most money and the one with the most property. Even with that I feel like mother of the year every time I play. The set up and take down alone make it a difficult one with children. 

This morning, the babes opted to play by themselves. They didn't even me if I wanted to join them. I cannot begin to describe just how joyful this made me. I immediately grabbed my phone to document this important milestone. So happy!

Halloween Costumes 2021

 This year, like every year the kids start planning their Halloween costume early, like as soon as school started. Dude saved up his money to buy a reaper costume and Luca turned a large box into a vending machine. Despite requests to help her improve the machine, she was perfectly satisfied with it as is and I am always going to be in love with child-created costumes. She told anyone and everyone that she is going to be a vending machine for Halloween and that she made her costume all by herself.

But then we had to drive to the church for the trunk or treat and she became nervous about all of the logistics of it and decided to revert back to her hot dog costume from last year.

I have to say, there were a shocking number of hot dogs parading around the church parking lot tonight.

Poor Dude felt ill earlier during the day, a headache he let go on too long, and wasn't sure that he was feeling up to going. He was so sad to give up this event that he has been looking forward to since it was announced earlier this month. He finally let me administer some medicine to him and rested while Luca and I left with instructions for his sister to Trunk or Treat in his behalf. Thankfully he felt better once the meds kicked in and he and Matthew made it to the church before it was all over. Luca is certain that he got more candy than he should have, but I'm just happy Halloween wasn't completely ruined for this boy, especially after 2020. Happy Halloween.

Pumpkin Carving 2021

 This year's pumpkin carving, sadly happened over the course of a few days. The kids took the earliest opportunity to carve theirs (Tuesday) while Matthew was in a work meeting. He couldn't do his and I knew mine was going to take too much work than I had time just then so I elected to work on mine later with Matthew. The kids were disappointed that we didn't get them all done together, but I loved watching them work on theirs; especially since now they can do it all from start to finish.

Dude was especially proud of himself since he needed zero help. Luca just needed help cutting out the hole.

Luca had way too much fun playing with the guts and giving her little pumpkin puppy a tongue.

So glad Matthew and I waited to do ours since Dude happily volunteered to wash and gut ours for us. I love that boy of mine!

Since Halloween fell on a Sunday this year, the four wards in West Salem did a Trunk or Treat at the Stake Center so here are our pumpkins in an attempt to add more decoration to our car. The goal was to light them but the candles were surprisingly difficult to keep lit even in mild condition. We had to wait until we could get the pumpkins into the security of our house to get the full effect.

But there you have our masterpieces. (From Left to Right, Luca, Matthew, mine, Zachary)

New Calling

I have a short attention span. It's probably why moving around as much as I did for the first 30+ years of my life didn't bother me. I remember being in Macungie and having a calling for two years and not being released; I thought the bishop had forgotten about me. I found out that serving for at least two years was normal and even expected. Until that point I had never lived anywhere in my adult life even two years - weren't callings for only a year?

I have taught seminary for three years here in Salem; by far the longest I've ever had a calling. Back in February I started having feelings that this was my last year. I'm pretty sure it was Heavenly Father's way of helping me focus on my sweet students instead of the impending burnout. It was a very special last semester and I am grateful for my students and experience with seminary this last year. I was stretched and made to grow in even more ways I never knew I always needed. 

About 7 months ago we found out that our divorced Relief Society President was getting remarried and moving to Colorado with her family. I was absolutely certain I would be called to replace her. Like, waking up in the middle of the night with counselors and thoughts on how I would lead the women in our ward. I even got asked to meet with the Bishop to discuss the possibility of that calling. And then a couple weeks later someone else got called and I'm not sure I was disappointed so much as confused.

A few weeks after the new President got called, I was released from seminary and almost immediately called as our new Young Women President. I haven't served in this organization for 10 years and have only served in Young Women for maybe a year total of my adult life. I have also not served as President of anything since high school. I was so nervous and so excited all at the same time.

The first class presidency meeting I attended, the young women were talking about their upcoming camping trip. At first I sat there thinking, oh how fun for you guys. But then I remembered my role and thought, it's not you guys are going camping, it's WE are going camping. It's definitely been an adjustment, but a fun one. I am constantly impressed by these young women in my care. I admire them as I watch them care for each other and lead their classes in righteousness and love.

Years ago I served as a temple worker in the Boston temple. I remember feeling struck by the pure Christlike love I was blessed with as I served the patrons. I have often gone back to those feelings as such a special gift I was given. But having served in other callings since then, I now realize I have been blessed with that same love for all of those in my stewardship, especially the children and youth.

I am grateful for this new calling. Grateful for a new adventure. Grateful to have such wonderful women with whom I serve. Grateful to witness the amazing future of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in these incredible Young Women.

Here's some pictures of our activities.

Matthew's New Job

Matthew has been searching for a new job for the last several years, passively for a while, but increasingly more active as the years progressed. In the last few months he has had more interviews than the last few years combined. We have fasted and prayed about a new job so many times we knew that when the time was right it would happen and not a moment sooner.

Well last week, while he was travelling for work he had three interviews for a job in Tualatin. He had his first interview last Tuesday and said that I wasn't allowed to continually ask him if he heard back from the company, that he would tell me as soon as they did. A few hours later they asked him to talk with someone else the next day. True to his word, I knew almost as soon as he did.

He proceeded to have another interview Wednesday, Thursday, and because he was travelling on Friday, another one on Monday. He loved everyone he met and felt really optimistic about the company and his prospects for getting an offer.

Today, he came home from another business trip (his last one to Long Beach, CA) and received the awaited job offer from Powin Energy. It's not really more money, though it's not really less either. What it is is an opportunity to work in a really exiting industry, doing something he finds interesting, with greater chances to advance without having to move to New Jersey or really anywhere at all.

P.S. He told his boss this morning (Friday) and the conversation was a lot more difficult than he anticipated though I'm not surprised. He has worked with this boss since he started 6.5 years ago. He likes him. He respects him, and if there were more room for growth at Covanta, no doubt he probably would have stayed. 

We went to the temple tonight and both of us felt so peaceful about this new job. I asked Matthew if the last few years of hard have been worth it or just hard. He said he thought they'd been worth it though he's still not sure he can articulate why. 

I'm grateful that he has learned to trust in God and learned to have more confidence in himself. I'm grateful he feels Heavenly Father's love, not only now, but in the past, when he wasn't so sure. He can now look back and recognize God's love all along the way. What a beautiful evening.

So now Matthew has two weeks until he gets to be done with this taxing chapter of his life that brought us to Oregon (for which we are so grateful), that allowed us to reach lofty financial goals, that triggered some mental health issues, and allowed him flexibility to be at home with me. We are grateful for everything Covanta meant to us but we are so excited for a new chapter to begin.

Pumpkin Patch 2021

We didn't have school today, so my Melissa and I took our kids (well one of hers) to a local pumpkin patch. I love this pumpkin patch. No cover charge, nothing to buy except pumpkins. They have a corn maze we went through a couple of times and then let the kids run wild in for at least 20 minutes until Melissa and I got too cold waiting for them and moved everyone to the exit. It's just too bad that we now have almost 3 weeks to wait until we can carve these suckers. It doesn't matter how many times we have the pumpkins rot if you carve them too early conversation with the kids, they still want to carve them as soon as we bring them home. But it didn't rain on us, we got some good exercise, and some much needed cousin/sister time.
 

21-22 School Pictures

 

I can't begin to describe how much I LOVE these photos even though they aren't the most flattering. I feel that this year, more than any other year these photos capture the essence of my children. I especially love school photos because they show a glimpse of your child when you aren't there to make their hair nice or give that glaring look that says "you smile or else child". 

Luca's picture says that I am trying so hard to be a nice, sweet girl. I had so much fun at recess so I am going to rock my smile and my cute dress so you don't notice my less than tidy hair. 

Dude's picture says, my mom isn't here to force me to smile and since I  am only here because I have to be, you get what you get and you don't throw a fit.

I love these two, with all of their endearing personality quirks that get captured in their school photos.

First Day of School 2021

Last year I never got around to taking a first day of school photo. Maybe because they were in PJ's, or maybe because it just never felt official, but this year I was determined to make up for it, even if I had to coerce my boy child into taking the picture. I finally convinced him to take a begrudged picture by pointing to this blog and the books I print from it. I told him that in 20 years he is going to look back and only see pictures of his sister and wonder why I didn't love him enough and I will have to explain that he wouldn't let me photograph more of his childhood. So, here he is posing for his future self and family. 

You'll notice he looks like he is smiling in the shot for his sister. He isn't. But his fake laugh is a good substitute. Good luck my sweet children. May this year be filled with more friends, more academic challenges, and lots of personal growth.