Christmas 2021

 This December I wanted to feel the reality of Christ coming on Christmas Day.  With all stress, excitement, business and worry that has been typical to Christmas, I wanted to stay focused on the actual presence and peace of Christ on December 24th and 25th.  And He came.  

I felt Christ during our visit to California to meet Harlow.  It was impossible not to feel her utter sweetness and perfection.  She is so beautiful and tiny.  Wendy will be good a Mom and seems to have the support of her family.  We were reminded of the miracle and protection of her safe arrival when Wendy told her delivery story.  

I felt Christ when Max did not show up for his ride home from California to Utah, and we left him there to figure it out.  We didn't get angry or upset, but also didn't solve the problem for him.  His resourcefulness (with a small loan) helped him get on a Flix bus to Vegas and pay a friend to get him home from Vegas.  Tony arrived to his racquetball tournament and we didn't have the resentment we usually do when a kid sabatoges our family.  

It was also fun to go get burgers at the In N Out where Eliza works, see her apartment, and spoil her a little.  She rode home with us and I felt Christ come through her sweet personality and obedient spirit.  

She and Sam spent the day perming his hair and he was thrilled.  :)

On Friday morning we picked Cooper up about 11:00.   The kids were happy to be together and ran last minute Christmas related errands and got unhealthy food.  Tony smoked a brisket, and I prepared for Christmas Eve dinner.  My favorite part of the day was when Eliza insisted we were all sit around and play the game "hot seat."  We were all laughing and playing like a normal family and I felt Christ come.  

It seems odd to say, but the cold I got was a blessing.  It slowed me down and forced me to be present and less hyper.  I don't know if Sam would say the same

Mom and Dad came for Dad's birthday dinner.  Wilson came right on time and offered one of the beautiful prayers that exposes his true greatness and potential.  We read Luke 2 together and sang a couple of Christmas songs. We listened to "Guard Him Joseph."  It was a very simple, and I felt Christ come.  

Christmas Day was about as perfect as we have ever had.  Tony and I woke up and put out the gifts. We went for a walk and read some scriptures.  When Wilson got there, we opened all the Santa gifts.  The highlight for everyone were the remote control cars and nerf guns.  All the kids relived their childhoods.  Max spent the day trying to reinforce his car with tape and glue.  Wilson built jumps.  Cooper raced around the neighborhood and almost caused a lady to fall off her bike!   After  Monster Pancake breakfast we opened the gifts from each other.  I was excited to see my kids find the joy of giving, especially Coop and Eliza.  We had a nerf war and played pickleball all afternoon. Potpie for dinner, at the kids request, simplified my life and was a perfect comfort food.  That night Tony popped popcorn and we watched a movie together.  Today we put Coop and Eliza on planes and end our Christmas together without any ruptures or blowups.  I feel Christ come by experiencing healing and rupture repair.

It was a little odd not to have Jes here, because we have fully embraced her into our family.  She and Coop are not sure what their future looks like, so we will learn to be patient and supportive and try hard to not offer advice.  

My favorite gift was from Cameron.  He drew up the houseplans of our childhood home in Spokane.  Then on the builder's notes, he referenced our childhood memories.  We met on Zoom to laugh our head off and come up with more ideas.  It was my favorite gift.  I also got Tony and I applewatches to improve our accessibility during stressful or crisis times.   No more excuses.  

 

without any ruptures or blowups.  I feel Christ come by experiencing healing and rupture repair.

It was a little odd not to have Jes here, because we have fully embraced her into our family.  She and Coop are not sure what their future looks like, so we will learn to be patient and supportive and try hard to not offer advice.  

Sam turns 15

 Happy Birthday Sam!

I've found such delight in you.  

I find delight every time I walk in your closet or bathroom and see how you organize and tidy your world.  I got a big kick out of your  decision to have your sister highlight and perm your hair.  You are pretty proud of those crazy curls and luscious locks.  I was proud of the way you handled the disappointment of not making the basketball team.  You looked the coach in the eye and shook his hand.  You continue to follow, support and enjoy all your basketball teams with passion and the most amazing memory for scores and stats.  You are generous with Max, but also learning to be boundaried.  I am delighted by the way you advocate for yourself and are learning to communicate what you need  clearly and unapologetically.  We had a really fun night watching basketball and eating good burgers at Burger Theory with you.  It was fun to watch you rock your new Nike shoes-with crease guards.  Cooper sent you $100 for your birthday.  You spent 20 on Dairy Queen and said you will save the rest to see the new Spiderman movie.  It was pretty fun to be spoiled by your big brother.  Max took you to In N Out after the game to celebrate the Crimson Basketball win.  I think it was a good gift.  I love the way you talk to me, even if you call me Bugz.  

I love you with all my heart.  

Thanksgiving 2021

I am grateful that we were able to gather this year with all the people who simulate normalcy in my life.  Jason and Andrea arrived on Tuesday along with Anna and Luke (and Hershey) and The Barrows arrived on Wednesday.  This year included Mom and Dad and Grammy, Betsy's mom.  Jack didn't come, which made it less fun for Sam.  Max was not feeling well and disengaged more, if that's even possible.  Wilson is not in a very good place, but we were glad he made it to the hungry pilgrim feast.  Brooklyn's boyfriend Jacob (almost fiance) came for the feast as well and we ALL gave him a definite thumbs up.   The moms started planning right away.  The other fun visitor was Callie!  She came just for a couple of nights to refuel.  It was so fun that she found leather couches for cheap and was able to take them home in the pick-up!  The best part of Callies' visit was that she left us her amazing rolls for thanksgiving.  

We spent time at Buck's Ace, hiking, and tons of pickleball.  It was great to burn calories to make room for all the good food we ate.  The hungry pilgrim feast was a huge success thanks to Crowshaw's pies.  Although Brookyn's pear cranberry is still my favorite ever.  I love hosting Thanksgiving for the excuse to pull out my beloved china.  It was a beautiful feast and Tony's smoked 60 lb turkey was  a total hit.  The only thing people loved more were Tony's He loves to cook so he single handedly managed the Thanksgiving potatoes and veggies and then made us homemade gumbo and cornbread on Friday night.  It was a spicy and delicious hit!  

The crazy guys decided to drive to Los Angeles to go to the USC BYU football game.  The traffic was horrific, but the game made it all worth it and they had a great time together.  

On Tuesday night Tony took Sam to Las Vegas to watch the Gonzaga game.  It was fun because Eliza flew in that night and joined them.  They stayed with Aunt Lori and were home for the festivities on Wednesday.  Sam loves Gonzaga and Eliza made it fun for him

Iowa-Cold hands, warm hearts

 Our lovely friends the Schills are moving to Spokane from DesMoines Iowa.   Before they left, we wanted to visit them in the city they love so well and Veterans weekend was our perfect chance.  We arrived to a true winter storm with wind and snow and the Schill show began!  All of the kids are beyond entertaining (Gombash included) We had so much delicious food including Otto's famous brisket,  Emily's breakfast extraodinaire, and Iowa state fair famous ice cream.  We even had a date night out to Bubbas's with some of the most amazing fried chicken, fried green tomatoes and corn muffins of my life.  We joined Schills at a chocolate party hosted by a member of their ward and spent the evening at a hockey game.  Emily and I stayed up way too late talking deep gospel and we enjoyed every minute.  The Schills are such a special family and their loving children filled our souls.  It was a nice break for Tony and I and helps me not to be held hostage by our children.