It always surprises me how quickly spring gets in the air and end of school year activities appear in the near horizon right after the holidays. It's as if time lately is on accelerated speed and I didn't realize I hit the button. These are precious months!
I made a trip down to the crawl space- I can't even remember what I was looking for, but you have to know I never go down there. I send the kids or Jon. About a decade ago I peeked down and saw a bunch of spider webs and just wrote it off. Well, like I said, I went down there, people! I found a bunch of my old things~ journals, art work, school work, and all my old jewelry. I brought up some of it and spent the day reminiscing. Reading through my old high school journals and the few years after graduation really rocked my world! It's not like I forgot events, but there is a big difference reading through these experiences as a 43 year old mom in a completely different place in spirit and mind. Remembering those rocky years, dating Jon, friends and especially my relationship with my parents left so much for me to ponder! It made me so grateful for patient parents who did their best, and reading it through my own parent eyes I can only imagine a portion of emotions. Needless to say, I am grateful that I kept those journals and wrote from my heart and was able to sort things out. I had to talk it out with Jon- and give him a good scolding! (He deserved it.)
And I had SO much jewelry! My goodness! Mainly because I worked at a clothing store- and then an accessory store for an entire decade. I was surprised that so many pieces brought back memories- I remember even certain outfits I would wear them with, certain concerts I wore things etc. I went through all of it and only kept a small handful. I let Paisley go through it and since her ears aren't pierced she only selected a few things. The rest I let my Laurels go through at a class activity at my house. It's been really fun to see them wearing my jewelry! (The 90's are back, you know.) Even Zeke found several treasures. I got a kick out of him wearing them all at the same time. He wore these for several days to school until he lost interest and forgot about them.
Between wearing my old jewelry and him wanting me to shave a lightening bolt in his head,
(because HARRY POTTER) he was real eye-catching walking into Lakeview Elementary.
This boy is brimming with character and confidence and I love every drop!
And Paisley... what a doll. This was just a day after school where we were chatting and she was plunking away on the piano telling me all about it and I was just looking at her, and marveling at how beautiful and sweet she is and how fun it is to watch her grow and get older. Sometimes I think in heaven we'll be able to go back to these moments- not watch them, but actually be in the moment again and feel it all. I hope so.
I tied it in with how daily repentance is life changing as well and meant to be used every. single. day.
These girls are the best. The YCL's are doing a great job getting us hyped and ready for Girls Camp!
All the youth are so great. We recently took everyone to the Jordan River Temple open house before the dedication. I remember touring this myself (at eight years old?) and looking down at my feet with the little slippers on them and clinging to mommy's hand because of the crowds. Because Jon is the Teacher Advisor and we invited all the incoming Activity Day girls to join us, we had to bring Zeke along with our group. I took advantage of us all together looking nice to update our Youth Facebook page and chuckled when I spotted Zeke nestled in there (both pictures) grinning away.
I can't neglect the big boys~
Eli had his band concert at Dixon Jr. High, the last one of the year. I always think he looks so cute up there! He has decided he is done with the clarinet and traded it in for the saxophone. He is interested in joining jazz band next year.
I guess I can't catch Adren much lately- I snapped this shot of him one night in his room because this is a typical night, how his room looks, and how he looks at 14. He's so cute.
I am constantly cleaning out under the stairs- the main- and only- storage space I have, really. Here's some goodies I placed outside free for the taking before running errands. I post a quick picture to the neighborhood facebook page and come back to it all gone. Then I wonder who took it???
One of my laurel gals asked me to text her a picture of my shorter hair cut because she was at the salon and wanted the same look. Imitation the best form of flattery?
And finally, it was Zeke's turn to participate in the wax museum. I suggested Gail Halversen, the Candy Bomber. We watched some clips about him and Zeke was sold. I found some army green clothing at D.I. to alter to his size, we rolled up the sleeves of Adren's old leather bomber jacket, slipped one of his medals over his neck and I thought he looked so cute! He did a great job.
I made a trip down to the crawl space- I can't even remember what I was looking for, but you have to know I never go down there. I send the kids or Jon. About a decade ago I peeked down and saw a bunch of spider webs and just wrote it off. Well, like I said, I went down there, people! I found a bunch of my old things~ journals, art work, school work, and all my old jewelry. I brought up some of it and spent the day reminiscing. Reading through my old high school journals and the few years after graduation really rocked my world! It's not like I forgot events, but there is a big difference reading through these experiences as a 43 year old mom in a completely different place in spirit and mind. Remembering those rocky years, dating Jon, friends and especially my relationship with my parents left so much for me to ponder! It made me so grateful for patient parents who did their best, and reading it through my own parent eyes I can only imagine a portion of emotions. Needless to say, I am grateful that I kept those journals and wrote from my heart and was able to sort things out. I had to talk it out with Jon- and give him a good scolding! (He deserved it.)
And I had SO much jewelry! My goodness! Mainly because I worked at a clothing store- and then an accessory store for an entire decade. I was surprised that so many pieces brought back memories- I remember even certain outfits I would wear them with, certain concerts I wore things etc. I went through all of it and only kept a small handful. I let Paisley go through it and since her ears aren't pierced she only selected a few things. The rest I let my Laurels go through at a class activity at my house. It's been really fun to see them wearing my jewelry! (The 90's are back, you know.) Even Zeke found several treasures. I got a kick out of him wearing them all at the same time. He wore these for several days to school until he lost interest and forgot about them.
(because HARRY POTTER) he was real eye-catching walking into Lakeview Elementary.
And Paisley... what a doll. This was just a day after school where we were chatting and she was plunking away on the piano telling me all about it and I was just looking at her, and marveling at how beautiful and sweet she is and how fun it is to watch her grow and get older. Sometimes I think in heaven we'll be able to go back to these moments- not watch them, but actually be in the moment again and feel it all. I hope so.
Did you know I sewed her this sweater? She helped me design the cowl neck and looks so cute in it.
She has taken over my big terry cloth robe I bought for the hospital when I had Adren. She looks so darling in it, fresh out of the shower.
Paisley, Zeke and of course, Sookie all cozy relaxing together watching a show. They both enjoy each other and drive each other batty. I'd say it's 70/30 with the driving batty more in favor.
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| But everyone loves Sookie the Wookie. |
Paisley girl making treats from her Easy Bake~
While out and about with Paisley we came across this cute shirt. It was fun to see favorite friend, Abby, had also discovered it.
While out and about with Paisley we came across this cute shirt. It was fun to see favorite friend, Abby, had also discovered it.
Bongo. The big Christmas gift from Paisley to Zeke from a few years past. Zeke loves him so. He serves as a pillow and mattress all in one. Because of this every now and then Zeke has to give him a spray down and put him out in the sun for a few days. Oh well.
I have grown to really love teaching the Young Women. I recently taught the combined lesson and started out telling them how excited I was to tell them about a life- changing product that keeps them healthy and feeling great- but only if they use it regularly. I finally was so excited- as were they- I just had to give them each the gift!
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| A TOOTHBRUSH!!! |
These girls are the best. The YCL's are doing a great job getting us hyped and ready for Girls Camp!
Eli had his band concert at Dixon Jr. High, the last one of the year. I always think he looks so cute up there! He has decided he is done with the clarinet and traded it in for the saxophone. He is interested in joining jazz band next year.
I can't remember for the life of me where Jon hiked to, but a poster was made to welcome him back from somewhere.
And finally, it was Zeke's turn to participate in the wax museum. I suggested Gail Halversen, the Candy Bomber. We watched some clips about him and Zeke was sold. I found some army green clothing at D.I. to alter to his size, we rolled up the sleeves of Adren's old leather bomber jacket, slipped one of his medals over his neck and I thought he looked so cute! He did a great job.
Making his poster, no thanks to Sookie.
Getting into character.
