Dear Hudson,
Well. It seems time has caught up to us, the way time does. Tomorrow is the last day of school and next year you will be heading to Jr. High. This is a good thing - I can see you are ready. But it's always strange for a mom to let a sweet chapter end. I must admit that I'm going to miss this chapter. I will miss seeing you walk your little brothers into school each day. I'm going to miss driving by the school and waving to you and your posse out at recess. I'm going to miss watching you race Owen and Jude to the car after school - those huge grins spread across your faces. (I won't miss when you all fight about who won.) I'm going to miss so many things about this stage of life - the stage when all four of my boys were little. The years flew by. Boy, did they fly.
The last couple of months you've been acting a bit more "teenager-ish". You think you are right. A lot. You roll your eyes at me. A lot. You boss your brothers around. A lot. You choose to be with your friends instead of us. A lot.
From what I hear, this is only the beginning and there will be some rough years ahead. But it's ok because, buddy you are still just the coolest kid I could imagine. I thought I'd write you a little letter (before the rough years really settle in) telling you just how much I like you.
Huds, I really, really like the person you are. I catch myself watching you in wonder sometimes because you have so many qualities I admire.
You are fun. You are funny. You wake up early - ALWAYS happy to start your day, ready to make us laugh. You are even happy waking up at 5:40 am for basketball practices - I don't know how you can be so happy at that time of day! But I'm super grateful anyway. You are silly. I see so many kids around you who are so worried about looking cool that they don't let themselves just relax and enjoy life. You enjoy your life and this fun energy is contagious.
I love that you attempted learning to play the cello this year - even though it didn't go too well! I really like that you wanted to try even
if it didn't look like the cool thing to do. I can guarantee there is
some little boy who watched you play with the orchestra who now thinks
that playing an instrument is something worth trying. I loved going to
those concerts and seeing you pulling goofy faces while you played
because you knew I was capturing it on video and you wanted to spice it
up.
You are a great friend. You have so many friends - and your friends have so many friends because you have brought them all together. I remember when you were in 3rd grade and you told me you were going to sit by London at lunch that day and make him be your friend. Who would have guessed you'd become such great friends and he'd become great friends with all your other friends? When Quincy moved in you took him under your wing and he immediately had ten boys to hang out with every recess. You are happy being with your school friends, ward friends, tennis friends....whoever! You're just happy anytime you get to spend time with your guys.
I have been so impressed watching you with your friends and teammates because you are so supportive of them. I know that it can't always be easy watching some of the success and attention your friends receive. Not everyone could be best friends with kids who are athletic freaks and superstars! But I notice you being the first to cheer and give them a high five as you run down that court. I see you smiling, laughing and congratulating them in the huddle when they make that touchdown pass. You have never once complained or tried to down play their talents. You seem to enjoy just being a part of it all.
One of the things I love most about you is your ability to relate to and be kind to all different types of people. I've seen you make some great interceptions and that is exciting and makes me happy - but not nearly as happy as I feel watching you help the underdog. Seeing you put your arm around that lonely kid or pushing a wheelchair through the snow day after day - now that makes a mom's heart feel like it may just burst right open. I have heard stories about you, you know - I know that you gave your sandwich to that kid who didn't have a lunch. I know you pass the ball to that boy who never gets the ball. I know you let your brother hang out with you and your friends at recess when it's been a bad week for him. You have a good heart and you watch out for people. I know who you are Hudson. I love who you are.
I love that you know your teachers and leaders are sacrificing for you and you appreciate it. I love that you always tell Dad and me how much you love us - that you love to talk to us and lay in bed reading by Dad. I love when you ask me to hang out with you. I love when you randomly grab my hand. I love the way you treat your grandparents.
I love that you are smart. I love that you are most sad to leave the librarian at the school because you guys have bonded over your love of books. I love that she would ask you which books to order for the school and that the library is full of some great Hudson Boxx recommendations. I love that you study and you know school matters.
I love that you are a spiritual person and you know that life is about something much bigger than video games, friends and sports. You have always wanted to learn about the gospel, heaven, the scriptures. It drives me a little crazy that you know the scripture stories better than I do, but you are a sponge and soak it all in. I love that you make sure you pass the sacrament to our row each Sunday and that you smile at me as you hand us the tray.
Do you think I can talk about the big brother you are without crying? Probably not because there is no way to express how much your role as big brother means to me. I seriously lucked out that you are my oldest. You are their leader, example, protector, and best best friend. Oh your brothers look up to you so much. Thank you for putting your arm around Owen when he was sitting next to you last week. Thank you for reading to Jude yesterday. Thank you for spinning Quinn around and calling him your best little little guy. Thank you for sleeping on your brothers floor night after night because they want you to be in the room with them, listening to your beloved books on disc. I know you are going to miss that little spot on the floor one day. And I KNOW I'm going to miss knowing all my little boys are tucked into that one small bedroom together. Right next door to my room....
I love that you like my cooking.
I love that you pretend like you don't like girls.
I love that you make jokes about going through puberty.
I love that you wear holes in your shoes because you are the boy who never stops moving.
I love that you have that huge scar across you chin and you think it's cool.
I love that you like to write and have a binder full of stories.
I love that you have perfected cooking grilled cheese sandwiches.
As hard as it is to close these chapters, I am completely enjoying watching you grow. I am excited to watch you move into this next phase of life. I know you are going to have a great time. You are an amazing kid - and when the eye rolling gets really out of control I can always come back to this letter and remind myself why I still like you so much.
All my love forever,
Mom
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Eye Contact 101
Since we moved into this home four years ago, the house behind us has been vacant. This means that we have been free to roam about our kitchen wearing whatever we want (or in my boys case - whatever they DON'T want), without worry. But one month ago a great new family moved into that empty house. A mom, a dad, and 3 girls the same ages as my oldest three. They are cute, sweet, quiet girls.
Well, our kitchen window looks down into the kitchen window of our new neighbors. Even though the houses are a good distance away I have still had to gasp a few times as my boys streak by our sliding glass door without a thought to those 3 innocent girls eating breakfast right behind their own sliding glass door! "Boys listen. I SERIOUSLY don't want YOU to be the ones to educate those sweet girls about....stuff."
They are getting better with the modesty - or at least running past the glass really, really fast.
Another thing my boys are sure to laugh about when they think of their childhood.
Anyway, when evening comes and the neighbors turn their lights on I can see them sitting down to dinner. It's always at 6:15. They gather around the table with the food laid out family style. They pray, then eat. They talk, they smile, they pass the food with manners. And then around 7:00 they all get up and start clearing the table and washing the dishes together. It's lovely. It really is. I feel like I have a front row seat to a beautiful, functioning family and it makes me happy.
But, if I am being honest I will admit that I have started closing our kitchen curtains every night at dinner time. Not because I mind that I can see their dinner routine - but because I am hiding our own. It aint pretty around here between the hours of 5-8. Not pretty at all.
Seeing the difference between our routine and the neighbors routine actually had me giggling for the first week. Then I started to worry that one day my boys will be stunted socially because they didn't participate each night in that all important sit down family meal. I really do think it's important. Will they end up registering for "Intro To Basic Conversation Skills" and "Eye Contact 101" when they get to college? Maybe.
But it's January so I figured I could make a new goal for our little crew. You'd think the goal would be to gather my boys around the table at 6:15 each night and attempt to mimic the great example we've been given....but that's just not going to happen. Most nights we are at a game or practice at that time of day and dinner is out on the counter for all to enjoy when they can get to it. You may sit or stand, use paper or plastic, eat a little or a lot, heat it up or eat it cold....like I said, it's not exactly pretty. Darn.
I've decided that the most important idea though, is the gathering together part and I'm trying to make that happen. We are going to be living room gatherers instead of kitchen gatherers. We are going to engage our kids in conversation without an electronic device in any of our hands. We are going to talk and laugh and share stories and make eye contact. We are going to teach them about politics, religion, geography, and calculus....no, that's not true. We are just going to talk.
Well, our kitchen window looks down into the kitchen window of our new neighbors. Even though the houses are a good distance away I have still had to gasp a few times as my boys streak by our sliding glass door without a thought to those 3 innocent girls eating breakfast right behind their own sliding glass door! "Boys listen. I SERIOUSLY don't want YOU to be the ones to educate those sweet girls about....stuff."
They are getting better with the modesty - or at least running past the glass really, really fast.
Another thing my boys are sure to laugh about when they think of their childhood.
Anyway, when evening comes and the neighbors turn their lights on I can see them sitting down to dinner. It's always at 6:15. They gather around the table with the food laid out family style. They pray, then eat. They talk, they smile, they pass the food with manners. And then around 7:00 they all get up and start clearing the table and washing the dishes together. It's lovely. It really is. I feel like I have a front row seat to a beautiful, functioning family and it makes me happy.
But, if I am being honest I will admit that I have started closing our kitchen curtains every night at dinner time. Not because I mind that I can see their dinner routine - but because I am hiding our own. It aint pretty around here between the hours of 5-8. Not pretty at all.
Seeing the difference between our routine and the neighbors routine actually had me giggling for the first week. Then I started to worry that one day my boys will be stunted socially because they didn't participate each night in that all important sit down family meal. I really do think it's important. Will they end up registering for "Intro To Basic Conversation Skills" and "Eye Contact 101" when they get to college? Maybe.
But it's January so I figured I could make a new goal for our little crew. You'd think the goal would be to gather my boys around the table at 6:15 each night and attempt to mimic the great example we've been given....but that's just not going to happen. Most nights we are at a game or practice at that time of day and dinner is out on the counter for all to enjoy when they can get to it. You may sit or stand, use paper or plastic, eat a little or a lot, heat it up or eat it cold....like I said, it's not exactly pretty. Darn.
I've decided that the most important idea though, is the gathering together part and I'm trying to make that happen. We are going to be living room gatherers instead of kitchen gatherers. We are going to engage our kids in conversation without an electronic device in any of our hands. We are going to talk and laugh and share stories and make eye contact. We are going to teach them about politics, religion, geography, and calculus....no, that's not true. We are just going to talk.
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Growing Pains
Well, I never finished my 1 year of blogging. Quinn decided to become a major challenge of a toddler and suddenly I found myself trying to make sure he didn't burn the house down (seriously, there was gasoline involved one day). Taking the time to blog became a ridiculous idea.
But lately I have thought about writing on here again. I think it's because we are having the coldest winter in history (or it feels that way) and going outside - well another ridiculous thought! So if we are stuck inside, maybe I should write?
While we've been spending our days at home I potty trained Quinner. For such a stubborn fella he rocked the situation. I'm so proud of him and he's so proud of himself. When Hudson's friends were over the other day he wanted to tell them all about it and even said in his most polite voice, "Do you think, ummm...Well would you mind if I showed you my underwear?" And then he dropped trou to reveal one hundred little Diego's all over his big boy briefs. He's a fun one, my Q. I kind of feel like I've accomplished something big having my last out of diapers. Did I say last? Shoot. I think I said it.
* Tip: always potty train in the dead of winter, right after the holidays when you have a lot to clean and work on while you STAY HOME FOR A FEW DAYS STRAIGHT and focus on the potty process! I did it like this with Hudson and now Quinn. I thought I'd train the other two during the summer and I can't believe how much harder it was.
So, I feel like life has been interesting around here lately - and not because there are a lot of cool things going on or places visited - interesting because my little family seems to be shifting toward a new phase. We are dipping our toes in pre-teen/teenage waters and I have to admit that I'm feeling a bit uncomfortable and uneasy and well....a little down. The experience is stirring up all kinds of insecurities and emotions - not in my children as much as in ME! I was not expecting this and I'm trying to figure it out.
The peace and confidence I found in raising my little crew feels like it's being chipped away as we navigate this new stage of life. This makes me frustrated with myself because they need me to know how to handle all of these new situaitons better than I am. I figured I'd know how to mother through these years because I lived through them myself. But guess what? I've never been a pre-teen boy and it is different.
In a lot of ways watching your children suffer growing pains is harder than going through them yourself. Brian and I have noticed that we are much more aware of what they are facing and how it's affecting them than they are. Kids are lucky enough to have tunnel vision, while we have the whole stinking panoramic view. Sometimes this view can sure make you worry.
Basically, just as my kids are experiencing growing pains I am experiencing growing pains. I'm having to grow as a mother and a person. I sometimes fall asleep at night wishing they were all still little and we were in the early years bubble that I so thrived in. Those are more comfortable years for an introvert like myself. But life wasn't meant to be lived in a bubble and I am SO grateful to have these boys with me no matter what stage of life we are in. I couldn't love them more.
The best news is that this is just the beginning. You know how the saying goes - little people, little problems. Big people......
I hope I get the hang of this.
Should I leave a dedication? That's what I used to do right? I dedicate this post to my boys, of course. Guys, I'm really (really, really) trying to get this motherhood thing right. But you're surely going to have to forgive me one day anyway.
But lately I have thought about writing on here again. I think it's because we are having the coldest winter in history (or it feels that way) and going outside - well another ridiculous thought! So if we are stuck inside, maybe I should write?
While we've been spending our days at home I potty trained Quinner. For such a stubborn fella he rocked the situation. I'm so proud of him and he's so proud of himself. When Hudson's friends were over the other day he wanted to tell them all about it and even said in his most polite voice, "Do you think, ummm...Well would you mind if I showed you my underwear?" And then he dropped trou to reveal one hundred little Diego's all over his big boy briefs. He's a fun one, my Q. I kind of feel like I've accomplished something big having my last out of diapers. Did I say last? Shoot. I think I said it.
* Tip: always potty train in the dead of winter, right after the holidays when you have a lot to clean and work on while you STAY HOME FOR A FEW DAYS STRAIGHT and focus on the potty process! I did it like this with Hudson and now Quinn. I thought I'd train the other two during the summer and I can't believe how much harder it was.
So, I feel like life has been interesting around here lately - and not because there are a lot of cool things going on or places visited - interesting because my little family seems to be shifting toward a new phase. We are dipping our toes in pre-teen/teenage waters and I have to admit that I'm feeling a bit uncomfortable and uneasy and well....a little down. The experience is stirring up all kinds of insecurities and emotions - not in my children as much as in ME! I was not expecting this and I'm trying to figure it out.
The peace and confidence I found in raising my little crew feels like it's being chipped away as we navigate this new stage of life. This makes me frustrated with myself because they need me to know how to handle all of these new situaitons better than I am. I figured I'd know how to mother through these years because I lived through them myself. But guess what? I've never been a pre-teen boy and it is different.
In a lot of ways watching your children suffer growing pains is harder than going through them yourself. Brian and I have noticed that we are much more aware of what they are facing and how it's affecting them than they are. Kids are lucky enough to have tunnel vision, while we have the whole stinking panoramic view. Sometimes this view can sure make you worry.
Basically, just as my kids are experiencing growing pains I am experiencing growing pains. I'm having to grow as a mother and a person. I sometimes fall asleep at night wishing they were all still little and we were in the early years bubble that I so thrived in. Those are more comfortable years for an introvert like myself. But life wasn't meant to be lived in a bubble and I am SO grateful to have these boys with me no matter what stage of life we are in. I couldn't love them more.
The best news is that this is just the beginning. You know how the saying goes - little people, little problems. Big people......
I hope I get the hang of this.
Should I leave a dedication? That's what I used to do right? I dedicate this post to my boys, of course. Guys, I'm really (really, really) trying to get this motherhood thing right. But you're surely going to have to forgive me one day anyway.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Summer Vacation (Fictionist)
We had a big night planned. My sister's friends were hosting Fictionist at their house and invited us to come. (I kind of felt like I should run out and get a mu-mu to wear to the concert....oh never mind, you won't get that.)
The boys cuddled the dog while they waited for us to get ready.
The kids enjoyed watching the band finish setting up. We were there early apparently...we can't ever seem to be fashionably late. That's just not how we roll.
Have I ever mentioned that I get a kick out of talking with Hudson and pretending like I'm trying to say all the cool terms kids say - but in the most uncool way I can muster? I crack myself up and he chuckles while rolling his eyes. It's epic.
Owen (my hope for our family musician) was soaking it all in.
Quinn was trying to look cool at his first concert.
The band looked cool without even trying to look cool. Or maybe they've been trying for so long that now they have finally morphed into cool. I don't know. Maybe they actually aren't even cool. Maybe they are dorks like us who just happen to be talented. Either way, the boys were enjoying it.
Owen was so caught up in a song the lead singer was performing that he got a little teary. My sister pointed it out to me so I asked Owen if he was ok. He told me he was just worried about the singer's wife....the dude (I don't know their names, sorry) had started this song by telling the audience that he wrote it when his wife was going through a very hard time. I guess Owen couldn't forget about that b/c after the concert he asked the kid if his wife was doing ok now. He assured Owen that she was fine.
Quinn kept pointing to the drummer...
and was quite mesmerized by the whole thing.
We bought Cd's and shirts afterward so that our kids could really feel like groupies. Hudson has worn his shirts a gazillion times.
It was the end of our vacation and a beautiful outdoor concert was a nice way to wrap it up.
I dedicate this post to my Sister Sue. Thank you for having us! My kids have been talking about re-visiting your house ever since. Does that thought make you smile or cringe?!?!
The boys cuddled the dog while they waited for us to get ready.
The kids enjoyed watching the band finish setting up. We were there early apparently...we can't ever seem to be fashionably late. That's just not how we roll.
Have I ever mentioned that I get a kick out of talking with Hudson and pretending like I'm trying to say all the cool terms kids say - but in the most uncool way I can muster? I crack myself up and he chuckles while rolling his eyes. It's epic.
Owen (my hope for our family musician) was soaking it all in.
Quinn was trying to look cool at his first concert.
The band looked cool without even trying to look cool. Or maybe they've been trying for so long that now they have finally morphed into cool. I don't know. Maybe they actually aren't even cool. Maybe they are dorks like us who just happen to be talented. Either way, the boys were enjoying it.
Owen was so caught up in a song the lead singer was performing that he got a little teary. My sister pointed it out to me so I asked Owen if he was ok. He told me he was just worried about the singer's wife....the dude (I don't know their names, sorry) had started this song by telling the audience that he wrote it when his wife was going through a very hard time. I guess Owen couldn't forget about that b/c after the concert he asked the kid if his wife was doing ok now. He assured Owen that she was fine.
Quinn kept pointing to the drummer...
and was quite mesmerized by the whole thing.
We bought Cd's and shirts afterward so that our kids could really feel like groupies. Hudson has worn his shirts a gazillion times.
It was the end of our vacation and a beautiful outdoor concert was a nice way to wrap it up.
I dedicate this post to my Sister Sue. Thank you for having us! My kids have been talking about re-visiting your house ever since. Does that thought make you smile or cringe?!?!
Summer Vacation (Shay's Bday)
We were in California over Shay's birthday. We all let her be in charge of what we should do that day and her first request was to go on a hike. There are hiking/running/biking trails all over my sisters area so that was easy!
We had just seen the last Harry Potter the night before so every single stick Jude found along the way became a wand. AVADA KADAVRA! I bet we hauled 20 wands back to Utah with us.
We hit a playground before heading back toward home. Quinn is enjoying the birthday girl.
The girls all did a little shopping during the day and then Shay wanted to have Korean food for dinner.
Hudson is always up for trying something new.
Owen is not. "Um Dad, I don't see any chicken nuggets or spaghetti on this menu."
It was a fun day and we loved celebrating together.
I dedicate this post to Owen. Odog - I want to let it be known that I brought along a pizza pocket and a yogurt in my purse for you....I'm a kind Momma like that. :) I've never seen your face look so relieved!
We had just seen the last Harry Potter the night before so every single stick Jude found along the way became a wand. AVADA KADAVRA! I bet we hauled 20 wands back to Utah with us.
We hit a playground before heading back toward home. Quinn is enjoying the birthday girl.
The girls all did a little shopping during the day and then Shay wanted to have Korean food for dinner.
Hudson is always up for trying something new.
Owen is not. "Um Dad, I don't see any chicken nuggets or spaghetti on this menu."
It was a fun day and we loved celebrating together.
I dedicate this post to Owen. Odog - I want to let it be known that I brought along a pizza pocket and a yogurt in my purse for you....I'm a kind Momma like that. :) I've never seen your face look so relieved!
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Looking Back - Summer Vacation (Boating)
It seems like our summer vacations are usually spent heading to an event of some sort - weddings, reunions, that type of thing (luckily often by the beach - but still). Because of this, we have been putting off a trip to my sisters house for far too many years. When I realized we didn't have any obligations this past summer I called her and told her we could FINALLY come! I thought she might kill over with excitement - that pretty much broke my heart and melted it at the same time.
We should have gone sooner....BOY OH BOY we should have gone sooner! We had the best time ever.
My sister and her family live in a gorgeous area in Northern California. It happens to be the same place Brian served his mission and the same place my parents lived back in their young family years. It's a great town made even better by the fact that my sister lives right by a lake. You can hop in the car at her house and be on their boat (which stays at the lake) in literally five minutes. This is UNBELIEVABLY fun and convenient when you are dragging a slew of kiddos with you.
If I had to pick my favorite childhood memory (well, I actually have too many to pick just one) - it would be boating trips to Lake Powell. Waking up to the sound of my Dad pulling the early risers out for the first glassy ski of the morning was heaven. Sometimes he'd wake me up, with a few of the other younger kids, so WE could be the first. Swimming, boating, playing cards, talking, cooking, sleeping under the stars by my mom...perfect. We usually went with a bunch of neighbors or cousins so there were playmates for days. The smell of gasoline mixed with lake water will bring memories rushing back every time. I loved it so much. It's a good thing we all loved it so much because man alive was it ever a lot of work for my parents.
I've always wanted to take my kids to Lake Powell but I'm not dying to go with a baby....hopefully one day we'll get them there.
My sister is AMAZING. She drove that boat like nobody's business. I wish we had a picture of Quinn's face when we first took off speeding through the water. He was freaking out....freaking out in a great way! It was like he was experiencing the best moment of his entire life! We could NOT stop laughing!
And captain Shaun ain't too bad himself! :) Watching Shaun behind the boat is true entertainment though....too bad the old guy had just killed his shoulder on the wake board a few weeks before we got there. My boys would have got a kick out of watching him.
And like my own lake memories....having buddies around makes things magical.
(Hudson, Siera, Shay, Owen)
(Owen, Shay)
(Owen, Skyler)
We once had a good friend tell us that he loved boating with his kids because when you take your kids out into the middle of a lake they are pretty much forced to hang out with their dad. I love that idea! Luckily, Brian doesn't have to force these boys yet. They were soaking in every second they got to spend with him.
You can tell by Brian's tan line that he did a lot of biking that summer....that there is a bikers tan fo sho.
Brian was more happy to be with his boys than they could ever imagine.
I don't love packing and getting ready for vacations. I think most moms feel that way when they are right in the middle of the chaos. BUT, oh how I love it once I get there. Having time to slow down and enjoy my family is worth all the work.
Having time to smile at them and look at their big eyes a little bit longer...nothing better.
I love showing them that I enjoy a break from routine just as much as they do. And reminding them that we are a family that knows how to have fun together.
Hudson kept singing while we were being whipped around on the tube. This made me laugh because I used to do the same thing. I told him about when I was riding on the tube with my cousin Ashlee and she and I had the time of our lives spazzing out singing, "It was a one eyed, one horn, flying purple people eater!" I guess I wasn't the coolest child.
Those tube wars got pretty exciting and my face hurt from laughing - both while I was on the tube and on the boat watching the tubers.
This is Siera, Hudson, Owen and Brian.
We joked that this might make Grandpa kind of nervous and then we giggled because he was the craziest man you've ever seen on a ski. The dare devil wasn't worried a bit back then! This reminded us of how Grandma could ski for hours - back and forth across the lake....with perfect grace I'm sure!
I had to put this picture on here because of Owen's face.
Yes, it's fair to say this guy had a great first day of vacation.
And that he loved every second.
And this one thought life couldn't get any cooler.
But, little dude may have been the happiest one of all.
Yep, the happiest one of all!
Well, maybe the giant dog Sasha was the happiest one of all. Have you ever seen a dog riding a tube behind the boat....well she loves it.
Oh, and before we left the water for the night I was pushed in the lake with a ski and told to see if I could still do it. I was SO NOT dying to ski. The last time I skied was two babies ago...and you know, about fifteen pounds of muscle has been replaced by about fifteen pounds of fat over those last few years. I didn't know if I could do it.
I have heard Brian tell people that it doesn't matter how many years I go between skiing..."She can always do it. Her dad taught her when she was little so she just pops up every time."
I kept thinking about that as the boat slowly pulled me through the night water. I was trying to get the feel of the ski and get myself straightened out, but just the slow tug of the boat had my arms burning. I knew there was not going to be any "popping" up this time friends.
But I took a deep breath and looked at my boys, who were watching my every move, then shouted those famous words...."HIT IT!"
And what came next was, as I predicted, not a pop....but a fight. A FULL ON FIGHT OF MIND OVER weakened baby birthing BODY.
And yes, I won the fight. Of course I did - my dad taught me when I was little after all. Plus, carrying babies may have taken some of my physical strength, but it has significantly increased the strength of my spirit...there was no way I was going to let go of that stinkin' rope.
I was up. I WAS UP! I remember looking at the wake off to my left thinking, "I could really, really hurt myself there." And away I went...
It was super fun. After only a few minutes I was completely and totally exhausted - so I let go of the rope and felt myself sink into the water. The waves washed over my head and I felt, for just a second, like a kid again.
I need to get my sisters pictures because these are all the pictures I took of our time at the lake. I didn't have my camera the days Brian skied. I also didn't have my camera to prove that, after being pestered, I tried to wake board. The saying "you can't teach an old dog new tricks" comes to mind in regard to that. AND I didn't have my camera the day my sister decided that after a LOONNGG break from playing behind the boat (while she worked at beating breast cancer) she had to get out there. We went together. I was super worried about her the whole time, but she was smiling from ear to ear.
And I'm smiling from ear to ear just remembering the great day.
I dedicate this post to crossing the wake. My boys, the best things in life take courage.
We should have gone sooner....BOY OH BOY we should have gone sooner! We had the best time ever.
My sister and her family live in a gorgeous area in Northern California. It happens to be the same place Brian served his mission and the same place my parents lived back in their young family years. It's a great town made even better by the fact that my sister lives right by a lake. You can hop in the car at her house and be on their boat (which stays at the lake) in literally five minutes. This is UNBELIEVABLY fun and convenient when you are dragging a slew of kiddos with you.
If I had to pick my favorite childhood memory (well, I actually have too many to pick just one) - it would be boating trips to Lake Powell. Waking up to the sound of my Dad pulling the early risers out for the first glassy ski of the morning was heaven. Sometimes he'd wake me up, with a few of the other younger kids, so WE could be the first. Swimming, boating, playing cards, talking, cooking, sleeping under the stars by my mom...perfect. We usually went with a bunch of neighbors or cousins so there were playmates for days. The smell of gasoline mixed with lake water will bring memories rushing back every time. I loved it so much. It's a good thing we all loved it so much because man alive was it ever a lot of work for my parents.
I've always wanted to take my kids to Lake Powell but I'm not dying to go with a baby....hopefully one day we'll get them there.
My sister is AMAZING. She drove that boat like nobody's business. I wish we had a picture of Quinn's face when we first took off speeding through the water. He was freaking out....freaking out in a great way! It was like he was experiencing the best moment of his entire life! We could NOT stop laughing!
And captain Shaun ain't too bad himself! :) Watching Shaun behind the boat is true entertainment though....too bad the old guy had just killed his shoulder on the wake board a few weeks before we got there. My boys would have got a kick out of watching him.
And like my own lake memories....having buddies around makes things magical.
(Hudson, Siera, Shay, Owen)
(Owen, Shay)
(Owen, Skyler)
We once had a good friend tell us that he loved boating with his kids because when you take your kids out into the middle of a lake they are pretty much forced to hang out with their dad. I love that idea! Luckily, Brian doesn't have to force these boys yet. They were soaking in every second they got to spend with him.
You can tell by Brian's tan line that he did a lot of biking that summer....that there is a bikers tan fo sho.
Brian was more happy to be with his boys than they could ever imagine.
I don't love packing and getting ready for vacations. I think most moms feel that way when they are right in the middle of the chaos. BUT, oh how I love it once I get there. Having time to slow down and enjoy my family is worth all the work.
Having time to smile at them and look at their big eyes a little bit longer...nothing better.
I love showing them that I enjoy a break from routine just as much as they do. And reminding them that we are a family that knows how to have fun together.
Hudson kept singing while we were being whipped around on the tube. This made me laugh because I used to do the same thing. I told him about when I was riding on the tube with my cousin Ashlee and she and I had the time of our lives spazzing out singing, "It was a one eyed, one horn, flying purple people eater!" I guess I wasn't the coolest child.
Those tube wars got pretty exciting and my face hurt from laughing - both while I was on the tube and on the boat watching the tubers.
This is Siera, Hudson, Owen and Brian.
We joked that this might make Grandpa kind of nervous and then we giggled because he was the craziest man you've ever seen on a ski. The dare devil wasn't worried a bit back then! This reminded us of how Grandma could ski for hours - back and forth across the lake....with perfect grace I'm sure!
I had to put this picture on here because of Owen's face.
Yes, it's fair to say this guy had a great first day of vacation.
And that he loved every second.
And this one thought life couldn't get any cooler.
But, little dude may have been the happiest one of all.
Yep, the happiest one of all!
Well, maybe the giant dog Sasha was the happiest one of all. Have you ever seen a dog riding a tube behind the boat....well she loves it.
Oh, and before we left the water for the night I was pushed in the lake with a ski and told to see if I could still do it. I was SO NOT dying to ski. The last time I skied was two babies ago...and you know, about fifteen pounds of muscle has been replaced by about fifteen pounds of fat over those last few years. I didn't know if I could do it.
I have heard Brian tell people that it doesn't matter how many years I go between skiing..."She can always do it. Her dad taught her when she was little so she just pops up every time."
I kept thinking about that as the boat slowly pulled me through the night water. I was trying to get the feel of the ski and get myself straightened out, but just the slow tug of the boat had my arms burning. I knew there was not going to be any "popping" up this time friends.
But I took a deep breath and looked at my boys, who were watching my every move, then shouted those famous words...."HIT IT!"
And what came next was, as I predicted, not a pop....but a fight. A FULL ON FIGHT OF MIND OVER weakened baby birthing BODY.
And yes, I won the fight. Of course I did - my dad taught me when I was little after all. Plus, carrying babies may have taken some of my physical strength, but it has significantly increased the strength of my spirit...there was no way I was going to let go of that stinkin' rope.
I was up. I WAS UP! I remember looking at the wake off to my left thinking, "I could really, really hurt myself there." And away I went...
It was super fun. After only a few minutes I was completely and totally exhausted - so I let go of the rope and felt myself sink into the water. The waves washed over my head and I felt, for just a second, like a kid again.
I need to get my sisters pictures because these are all the pictures I took of our time at the lake. I didn't have my camera the days Brian skied. I also didn't have my camera to prove that, after being pestered, I tried to wake board. The saying "you can't teach an old dog new tricks" comes to mind in regard to that. AND I didn't have my camera the day my sister decided that after a LOONNGG break from playing behind the boat (while she worked at beating breast cancer) she had to get out there. We went together. I was super worried about her the whole time, but she was smiling from ear to ear.
And I'm smiling from ear to ear just remembering the great day.
I dedicate this post to crossing the wake. My boys, the best things in life take courage.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Remember - Part 1
As of yesterday I have had this blog for one year. I really only wanted to write on here for 12 months so that I could have "a year in the life" type thing for our family to keep. Unfortunately, I got a little distracted during the summer/fall months and didn't blog at all. This means that I have a lot of things I still want to put on here before I can call it good. So, don't worry Mom - you can count on having this to read for a bit longer!
For me, the best parts of motherhood and family life are just the simple little things. The regular days that feel just right because we are together.
Dear boys,
Will you remember that your mom cannot resist an ice cream truck? It makes me happy to hear that music off in the distance. It's so old fashioned and charming (that is, if you don't let yourself get freaked out by how creepy it could be).
On this warm summer day we had just finished our snow cones when this truck approached...we couldn't let the opportunity pass by. Nobody ever died from eating two treats in a row.
I hope you remember.
Love, Mom
Owen, thank you for being the only one to smile. Hudson and Jude - you made these weird faces on purpose. Dad was telling you to smile right as I took the picture...and you did this instead.
Dear boys,
Will you remember how good cinnamon toast tastes on pretty summer mornings - especially sitting next to a brother in a blanket that Grandma made? Will you remember that when loads of friends come over your dad and I make giant piles of cinnamon toast and you all go to town?
I hope you remember.
Love, Mom
Dear boys,
Will you remember how Quinn likes to come into your room and lay by you when you are supposed to be falling asleep? Will you remember him saying, "Boys wake? Boys wake?"
Quinn calls the three of you: boys, brothers or HudsOhJude.
"HudsOhJude are you?! HudsOhJude are you?"
I hope you remember.
Love, Mom
Dear Quinn,
Right as you fall asleep you always put your arms behind your head like a wise old man. It's so cute.
I hope I remember.
Love, Mom
Dear Jude,
Will you remember how much you loved to build and draw when you were little? After your creation is complete you usually tell me, "I made this for Dad."
I hope you remember.
Love, Mom
Dear Quinn,
You went through the funniest stage where you would bring me all sorts of things and tell me to put them on you. "On me. On me."
You can pull off that underwear on the outside thing better than anyone I've ever seen.
I hope I remember.
Love, Mom
"The happiest people I know are not those who find their golden ticket; they are those who, while in pursuit of worthy goals, discover and treasure the beauty and sweetness of the everyday moments."
Dieter F. Uchtdorf
I dedicate this post to the little everyday things that make me happy to be alive.
For me, the best parts of motherhood and family life are just the simple little things. The regular days that feel just right because we are together.
Dear boys,
Will you remember that your mom cannot resist an ice cream truck? It makes me happy to hear that music off in the distance. It's so old fashioned and charming (that is, if you don't let yourself get freaked out by how creepy it could be).
On this warm summer day we had just finished our snow cones when this truck approached...we couldn't let the opportunity pass by. Nobody ever died from eating two treats in a row.
I hope you remember.
Love, Mom
Owen, thank you for being the only one to smile. Hudson and Jude - you made these weird faces on purpose. Dad was telling you to smile right as I took the picture...and you did this instead.
Dear boys,
Will you remember how good cinnamon toast tastes on pretty summer mornings - especially sitting next to a brother in a blanket that Grandma made? Will you remember that when loads of friends come over your dad and I make giant piles of cinnamon toast and you all go to town?
I hope you remember.
Love, Mom
Dear boys,
Will you remember how Quinn likes to come into your room and lay by you when you are supposed to be falling asleep? Will you remember him saying, "Boys wake? Boys wake?"
Quinn calls the three of you: boys, brothers or HudsOhJude.
"HudsOhJude are you?! HudsOhJude are you?"
I hope you remember.
Love, Mom
Dear Quinn,
Right as you fall asleep you always put your arms behind your head like a wise old man. It's so cute.
I hope I remember.
Love, Mom
Dear Jude,
Will you remember how much you loved to build and draw when you were little? After your creation is complete you usually tell me, "I made this for Dad."
I hope you remember.
Love, Mom
Dear Quinn,
You went through the funniest stage where you would bring me all sorts of things and tell me to put them on you. "On me. On me."
You can pull off that underwear on the outside thing better than anyone I've ever seen.
I hope I remember.
Love, Mom
"The happiest people I know are not those who find their golden ticket; they are those who, while in pursuit of worthy goals, discover and treasure the beauty and sweetness of the everyday moments."
Dieter F. Uchtdorf
I dedicate this post to the little everyday things that make me happy to be alive.
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