KIDS!

long since I wrote on the blog, the time is perfect. 

   The kids are all doing well; today when I was working they went on a hike without me.  I initially was sad that I was not able to go, and then mom made the comment that I should be excited that they want to do things together.  My only hopes for a long time were that they would grow closer as they got older.  I am so grateful for my relationships with my brother and sisters.  I am starting to see glimpse of their lives after living in my household.  They are starting to do independent things and make good decisions (for the most part).  Them doing things together is all I ever wanted.   

   Katie just got Willard a month ago, and right now Willard is her life.  She continues to thrive in the Emergency room, and wants desperately to get into nursing.  I am unsure why she does not get accepted, as she is overqualified having a mom that loves the medical field and being a part of the ER?  I do think that things happen for a reason, and I truly believe that she will make it to be able to accomplish her dream. 

    Katie will be going to Europe with a friend in a couple of months, she is so excited.  People have asked me if I am bothered by the fact that she is going with someone I do not know.  I say, “No” as she is very responsible, and knowledgeable at her young age of 20.  I want her to go and have fun.  I want her to date lots of men, and do things that she wants before settling down, because when she does get married things change fast. 

   Katie and I walk almost daily for one to three miles (depending on my mood).  We take Willard and he loves to go!  It is most favorite time of the day.  I am getting to know her on a friend basis and not so much as a daughter.  It is fun to see her growing and enjoying life.  She loves and cares for Willard so well that I am excited to see her as a mommy someday, (hopefully not too soon).

   Jerra had the most difficult year although I often say that if anyone had to experience it, she was the one that would deal with it the best.  She has grown so much and so fast as she had to.  Kaden was really good for her for 3 years.  She fell in love with him, which made letting go that much harder.  Jerra is my idol. She had to make some hard decisions and did it with strength.   She has made so much progress in her growth it is hard to believe she is mine.  She still loves to write, make videos and of course run!  These are all things that her dad and I are not good at therefore we are not sure where she got the talent.  I love to see her shine!  I love to see the love she has for her siblings, and I believe that she will be the one that holds the family together, as she loves being a part of us on the weekends when he comes down from Utah State. 

    Both girls are doing well with money, and learn that from their dad.  They have good savings, and Jerra pays for her apartment and has two jobs.  Katies has a new car and pays for many things needed throughout the house.  I am a proud momma.

Ethan has also changed a lot this year.  Ethan started wrestling at the end of last year, and did absolutely amazing.  He has grown, emotionally, and of course physically.   His grades are improved and he seems to care more than he ever has.  I see him caring for his sisters, and sticking up for them when needed, despite the next minute fighting with them.  J   Ethan got his permit about a month ago and is an excellent driver.  I see his dad in him, he seems to look at things and automatically know what to do.  This is something that I am not able to do, must be a man thing!  Ethan is still shorter than the girls but quickly gaining, one day I hope that he is as tall as them. 

   Ethan also started running track when wrestling ended; I love to see him run.  He is a quick runner and not a distance runner like Jerra.  The diversity is fun, and he is really good at it.  Ethan loves video games, and is known to not "come up to the surface" for hours.  This is something I hope that he will outgrow when he can drive.  Most times Ethan will come with me and acts like he enjoys it although most times he would rather stay at home.  For me this is hard, as everywhere I go the girls want to go.  I am finding that I have to try and not feel bad that he does not want to go.  He still is involved just isn’t into clothes shopping as a girl (he picked out all of his back to school stuff in 20 minutes). 

Ethan is really laid back unless something really pisses him off, he is kind hearted and loves life.  I am a lucky momma.

    Hannah has the kindest heart of the whole family.  She would give her left hand if someone asks.  Hannah does well in school, and loves to do crafts and bake.  She is the reason I am fatter than I would like to be.  She loves life too. 

   Hannah is still an avid soccer player, and the school mascot.  She loves to be involved in everything, but also loves her alone time. 

 

unbroken

Not sure the best title for this post.  As I sit here at the end of 2016 looking at the past year, I think that this is appropriate.
   Raising kids continues to challenge and surprise me.  Really I am happier than I have been in a long time, but this year has been a challenging one as a parent (for Thane too).
   The birds are starting to fly from the nest, and previous to this year, I was able to bring them back in under my wing and make them better. This year, I had to teach them to fly and let them fall, hoping for their success.  During this time, I thought I realized what success was, I was mistaken.  My success is my happiness, not the money I make from a job, how big my house is, what car I drive but, my happiness.  Teaching children of this concept is difficult.  They were not around when I left the nest, (nor did I realize that is what my parents were trying to accomplish with me), I just thought it "arrived".
   I am so grateful for the years and tears and effort that Thane and I worked to keep us a strong family unit.  This year, I have watched them fly away and come back willingly.  I have seen them look to each other for reassurance.  In the end, that is all I ever wanted!  Of course, clean our room, go to college, be nice to others, eat and exercise BUT remember your siblings was not on my list until recently.  I just assumed it was a given!  My kids fight (of course) but when it comes down to it, they have each others back and enjoy being together.  This is priceless to me, as one day I will not be here to help.  They will always have each other.
   This year has caused lots of heartache for Katie and Jerra, they have learned to fall out of the nest and go on.  Sometimes not flying as high as they wanted, or flying with a broken heart, but flying independently. They are flying, (might not be high yet), and I am so proud of who they are becoming.  It hurts so bad to not take them under my wing and make it all better.  It hurts that sometimes others do not see who they are and what they have to offer the world.  I truly believe that they will lead the happy lives Thane and I always wanted them to have.  I can see them doing things that represent happiness.  I wish many times I could give them a boost, but realize that they have to learn to boost themselves in order to enjoy their happiness.
    I wish that they could see through my eyes for a few minutes, and realize how much they have to offer and what is ahead for them.  I speak for Katie and Jerra right now, but the other's are so close behind.  I am keeping the twins in the nest, as four flying birds is very overwhelming!  I love them with everything I have, and see them soaring, keep it up girls, (and boy)  your gonna look back on this when you are flying high in the sky!


I love you all, Happy 2017!!!!   This is one proud momma bird!

Girl trapped

This really is not the day to write this, He hurt my feelings this morning.  BUT, I this is not the first time and I know that it will not be the last.  I have seen such a difference in my little boy this last year.  I am starting to see a man.  A very physically strong, stubborn, determined man!  What the HELL!  

   Ethan is starting 9th grade, it should be a fun year.  He enjoys almost everything, if you can get him to get off the Xbox.  He still loves to go with me, and I LOVE that.  He hates shopping, even if it is for him.  This year picking out school clothes, the WHOLE trip ( I only get one) was accomplished in less than 30 minutes!  Ethan is really strong, and he often times pisses off his sisters cause he can do things (water skiing, lifting) much better than them.  

   But... EJ often says that he is "girl trapped".  This is true, he even has 2 girl cats.  I think that this might be a positive in his life despite what he thinks.  1.  He knows what a tampon is.  2.  He knows how to read emotions.  3.  He has learned to be sensitive (most of the time).  4.  He knows when to say yes to a girl even when he wants to say no.  5.  He knows that sometimes you just have to shut up, ( he is working on this one).   

  EJ loves other boys.  I find him wanting to go to friends' houses and never invites them to ours.  This is likely because there is not testosterone in our house.  :)  Ethan LOVES Kaden.  Kaden and Ethan gang up on the others and it is a really good role model for him.  

   I am excited to see my little boy blossom more this year.  He will grow stronger, and hopefully smarter and nicer to him mommy.  Someday, he is going to make a really good husband, he has learned what it takes from his sisters. 

Second Honeymoon...

     I am so behind in posting, but still try hard to get the best memories here.  After many years of Disneyland, soccer tournaments, and Moab with the kids, Thane and I went BY OURSELVES to Hawaii. I told many people that I could have went to Idaho with him and had a good time as long as it was just us.  I needed the time with him so bad, and we both needed NO distractions, trying to remember how this whole thing started. 
   Hawaii was awesome, we spent time on the beach, snorkeled, rented a car and toured the island (a red convertible) and just enjoyed each other.  I still am in love with him, and enjoy every minute I have with him.  We laughed, ate and, napped. 
   Many times in our marriage I have wondered if when the kids were gone, we would still have what we did when everything started.  Guess what?  We do, and I can not wait to go on more adventures with him.  Love ya Thane, more today than yesterday, and now I know even more tomorrow!

Two down, two to go!

Hard to believe but I am a proud mommy of two Fremont High school graduates! Many mom's were crying at graduation, no tears where shed from this momma.  I am so excited to see what they will do next.  I am not trying to hurry through life, it is fast enough, although seeing them become independent is really all I ever wanted when they were born.   I remember telling mom when the twins were born, that I only had eighteen years left.  She physically grabbed my cheeks telling me I was mistaken, "you have them until you are dead"!  At that time, I set a goal to make it a lifelong goal, to teach them to be independent but remind them where they came from.  Maybe a little egotistical, but I am so proud of the parenting Thane and I have done.  They are becoming more than I imagined.  I am proud that they are in love with life, and work hard but find the time, to enjoy the moments, (although Katie will not dance in the rain with me). 
     Jerra....  where do I begin. Jerra is the most well rounded child we have.  Her senior year she had her hands in EVERYTHING!  She was a Pawprint newspaper editor, she ran varsity cross country and track (lettering in each every year, total of 8 letters, 4 cross country, 3 track, and 1 Journalism).  She works at the Gap a couple of times per week, and this last year was an intern at the kindergarten. Being that diverse, allowed her to let go of me faster, I am having a hard time with this because I see her turning to Kaden instead  of her dad and I.  As hard as this is, it is what I wished for when she was born.  Remember Jody, your job is to raise and let them be independent and happy!
   Jerra graduated with a 3.75 cumulative, and cords for journalism (3.958 this last semester).  She is an amazing runner and wirter, two things that I am not sure she got from us.  SHe has a way with words that I envy, and I have always wanted to run even just 4-5 miles.  Jerra finished her first half marathon this morning, with a time of one hour and 40 minutes!  OMG, so proud of her. 
   Jerra is going to Utah State in August, and is so excited to have her own room in an apartment she is sharing with 4 other girls.  Of course, her best friend, and boyfriend Kaden is up there to.  I think she was kind of pushed to be an aggie?  I am reassured that she has him, as I know he is her partner in crime and will look out for my little girl.  I am sad but excited that I can still see her on most weekends and she is close enough that it let's her go "easy". 
     I find it hard to believe that my little pukey, blanket lipper, lop sided pony tail girl has become a woman.  BUT she has superseded my expectations, right next to Katie (who still are best friends, despite what they think).  Two down two to go! One proud momma, without any tears!

Hannah is 14!

     Although our lives are always busy, life is very eventful at our house with four teenagers.  Seems like I say this often when writing. The kids are growing so fast, and seems as if it is getting harder for me. I say that not because the kids are being bad, but because things seem to matter more now then when they were little. Things seemed so easy, decisions were clear and now, Thane and I are making decisions that will really affect the rest of their lives.
     Hannah has changed alot, but continues to be the kind heart that is always happy. She is liked by almost everyone. She tries everything, and her and her dad are known to "Geronimo" often. She tried out for the junior high basketball team, and despite political views did not make it despite deserving too. She even tried out with a broken big toe, not wanting me to tell anyone so that she would be not looked at as "injured". We wrapped the foot and took extra care of it, not putting it in the boot that was needed so that she could try out. The next day after not making it, (she was good enough, I say that even being her mom) she went and congratulated all of the new team. This is Hannah, caring less about herself, than others. She loves life and as I have said many times before it is what I want my kids to achieve....HAPPINESS.  I think she is the closest to being happy with herself.
     Hannah will be 14 next week, and as Thane mentioned this morning, it will only be one year and they will be getting their Learners permits, to drive! OMG, not sure that she is ready! Hannah now holds the record for the most texts in one month. She has a "boy" friend, and says that they are just friends, but if I was a 14 year old boy, I would want her to be my "girl" friend. I love her so much and do not want her to be TOO nice to the boys! Hannah loves soccer, animals, and most of all baking. She is really good at doing things without being asked, and texts me she loves me each morning (one of her 2500 texts a month). She loves to be involved and as mentioned before, is willing to try ANYTHING! Happy Birthday Hannah, much Love for many GOOD years to come.

New York is not Hooper!

NEW YORK 11-2015

This was the original Fire Station that "tired to respond" to 9/11.  It stands within 500 yards that the Twin Towers were.  Ironically we were standing there and the firs engine left on a call, very Profound to all of us!

Top of the Empire State Building. 

Riding our to Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, on Hudson!

When we asked Hannah where she wanted to go in New York, before even thinking it was Carlo's Bakery, long trip to get there but did not let us down! 

Time's Square!!!

So it has been a while since I blogged, and I want to more than I do. The first of November we took Ethan and Hannah to New York. I am fortunate enough to get so much money a year to get me continuing education done. I decided to go to a conference in New York this year. Katie and Jerra got a chance to go with us to Washington DC three years ago. We decided just to take the twins this time. None of us had been to New York, and had no idea what to expect, but were excited to go. New York was so much fun, (and the conference was good), but after it was a few days it was time to come home! We were able to visit so many places. We saw, the 911 Memorial, Statue of Liberty, Rockefeller Center, Empire State building, Central Park, and Carlos Bakery. We rode on a boat on the Hudson, and an open air bus. We ate good food and LOVED Time's square! The kids are getting old enough to enjoy things that they were not able to at a young age. It is fun to have them be able to take care of themselves. BUT, BUT, BUT, I decided that I want to be and remain in Hooper. I decided that people are nice, and kind here. Space is open and I can find happiness within my own home. New York was FULL of people that were not nice, crossed streets when they wanted in front of cars, and were always in a hurry to get to their next place. It took forever to get anywhere, and the smell of hot dogs was the only positive scent (except to Thane). The lights in New York never shut off, and the garbage was stacked in the streets. The hotel room we had was only as big as our bathroom at home.
    I think that the most amazing part of New York for me was the 9/11 Memorial. I have not seen a memorial as significant as this was to me. I suspect it is because I was alive and aware of the terrible things that happened on that day. I was pregnant with the twins and mom was at the capital in Washington DC on 9-11-2001. It was a scary day, and a day that changed our country's way of looking at national security. Knowing and being aware of this made the memorial so profound and real. Looking up at the New Trade Center, I felt petrified of how I would respond if a plane hit it!  Where I would go and what I would do?  Would we survive it?
   Despite what I loved about New York, I learned more from just walking down the streets then I did from the sites. I learned how grateful I am for the farm, the space, and the quiet. I am grateful that I can drive and get somewhere within a reasonable amount of time. I am really not worried about letting my kids go where they want in Hooper. I am secure in knowing that terrorism, will likely not be an issue. I am happy with my security, (due in part to my little bro) and peace. Visiting New York was a once in a lifetime chance, and I a glad that we got to experience it, but it made me more grateful again for what I have, and how I chose to live my life.

While in New York, we went to Madame Tuseau's. This was a big highlight, loved to see well know famous people. 

She "fits" better with Messi, then Gaga.