Living the Unexpected Life

 David graduated from High School and then we dropped our baby off at college.  THE HARDEST thing I have ever done is cut the cord. David is getting along well and learning how to study and take care of himself.  I worry every day but in a good way, he sends me texts of what he's eating and sounds happy. All of us are still adjusting and I am confident he will do great things. My baby- still little and needing his Mom. Evan is a freshman this year and getting ready to start swim in two weeks.  He is as sassy as ever, a good friend to me, and likes all the attention he gets as the only child for the next four years.  I just want him to stay little but his sense of humor gets sharper every year so I look forward to that growth! Evan's 7th grade pic.  His voice has changed and he's taller now. Halloween with his best friends Good Friends are priceless! Out entire family loves MUSIC. I'm the only one who only gets paid right now for ...

The other day, I was sharing something simple about my childhood and Evan turned to me and said. "I literally know nothing about your life.  And you have an interesting one!" I thought a lot of things at that moment. 1.  I keep a journal- maybe I should share that now. 2.  Why is my life interesting?  I am just normal. 3. What have I not shared? The third question almost sent me into a panic.  I thought that maybe my kids don't know the real me.   Fortunately, I soon calmed down from that thought because I know I have always been honest and open with them.  Obviously, I need to do a better job at sharing stories. David has been working many hours the past few weeks in the warehouse for cherry season.  He is doing a great job staying positive at a boring job that pays time and half.  I think his first paycheck helped a great deal!  After my experience with Evan, I wondered if David felt the same way.  This last year I have b...

Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened. This sentence perfectly describes how I feel about my oldest child graduating from High School.  I did not shed one tear during the graduation week UNTIL I assembled a special picture collage to display at his party.  It hit me hard how quickly time passed and how much David and I love each other today. I knew when he was born that I should cherish every moment and work hard to develop a relationship with my boy.  It has been my number one priority to be a better listener than a disciplinarian. To lead by example rather than tell him what to do. And, to share my love for my religion with my child.  As I stared at 50 some pictures all at once that represented 17 years of David's life, I knew that I had done it.  I knew that Dave had accomplished his goals so far too and that just got me crying and crying! Our family has had a roller coaster of a year getting David where he needs to be but we did it! ...

My family has been on a super fast ride this year.  We are going here, and there, and everywhere it seems like.  So far, no one has been too sick this winter and our "to do" list for the house is getting done.  Here are a few pictures to catch you up on our lives. Evan's first JH Band Concert.  He is there, somewhere. My most difficult students on a Field Trip.  I survived December! Chamber Choir performance Dec 2016 Team Captain and  Senior Swimmer New lights and paint! Evan is helping me make decor decisions. David sang at the Voice of Eastmont.

When Evan was a little guy he did a lot of things that drove me crazy like running out the front door at 2 when I wasn't looking or biting my on the softest part of my neck unexpectedly.  He also was the funniest guy with words and spoke at a very early age in full sentences.  I miss that crazy little boy sometimes however, I'm very much enjoying the young man he has become.  He still holds my hand through the parking lot and while we sit on a pew at church.  He asks me to tuck him in and tells me every last detail about his day at school.  He dutifully does his homework, practices his instrument, and cleans his room the same day he is asked!  What a great son.  Handsome too, right? David has always been the kindest one in our family.  He is always in tune with how people are feeling and whether or not they feel left out.  When he was a toddler he use to pat my back while I cried because I was overwhelmed with motherhood.  He'd say,...

Thought you'd all enjoy the video I shot at David's first choir concert this past Wednesday. Just click HERE Here are a few Sr. pics too!

So much has happened since I blogged last.  The most difficult being Jason's experience with shingles.  He is doing much better now thanks to all of your kind thoughts and prayers.  I don't even know how to start explaining the last 6 weeks but it turns out that we learned to appreciate all that we have and I guess that's what I want you all to know. Enjoy the moment you are living in now, enjoy your kids, enjoy being alive! Here are some random photos: We celebrated a close friend's wedding this weekend. Me all dolled up for said wedding. Olivia and Micah with The Boys My newly tiled laundry room. Work is as crazy as home but I love it. Homecoming 2016 Swap Meet- our first! There were a lot of old guys and license plates at the swap meet. Leavenworth Half Marathon Yes, I park on a pad now.  Can't ruin the floor! Senior pics were taken- soon to be shared. My new oven is amazing. Love my new kitchen...