My baby turns 18

Happy Birthday Dezmond, Samski, Marcos Samuel.  Welcome to full adulthood.  This is going to be a big year for you as you graduate from high school, move away from home,  and live independently.    You already keep your room, car,  and clothes clean and tidy.  I love this about you.  You always have and continue to enjoy doing things solo,  and have added solo hiking to your list.  I hope you always have the confidence in your own skin to do things alone.   During a difficult time recently you identified that you struggle with trust.  As you enter adulthood, I am hopeful that you see trust as a choice and decide to risk it with people worthy of your trust.  Dad and I are very proud of your work ethic, particularly at your internship and job.  We are always thankful that you join us for scriptures and prayer at night.  We know you have tremendous potential for good in our world because of your natural abilities to make friends and understand social skills.  You continue to be a healer and connector in our family.  I hope you know how loved you are and how much I love our special relationship.  

Happy Thanksgiving

When you live in St George, everyone prefers to come to your house for Thanksgiving!  It's warmer here, great hikes, bicycles to ride and Tony makes the best turkey on the planet.  Our house fit 30 comfortably and I love the excuse to use china.  Tyler and Chelsea added mac and cheese to this year's feast menu and Jeff and Stacey brought a "pickleboard" with pickled eggs that must become tradition.  The weather was warm so there was lots of bike riding,  hiking and pickleball.   Tony played in a "butterball" raquetball tournament.  On Friday we got to wish Harlow a happy 3rd birthday.  She is starting preschool soon and is pure sunshine.  She is not a big fan of camera's right now and taking pictures makes her very sad.  

On Saturday, Sam, Tony, Max and I drove up to Provo to meet Eliza and Cooper . Cooper came down from Boise and had a tender mercy.  His car engine blew up so he got a much safer rental car to drive!  We met at the Grid and drove electric cars with The Hainsworths.  The first race was a ton of fun, but we all regretted the second race.  Both Tony and I had to bow out and Eliza threw up as soon as she got home.  That night we had the hungry pilgrim feast at Betsy's house.  We had amazing pies thanks to Brooklyn including the famous pear-cranberry and a new winner: mascarpone with rhubarb.  We got to celebrate Anna and Luke's official engagement and meet Emma's new boyfriend Rob.  Cooper, Max, Sam and Tony went to the freezing cold BYU game.  Only Tony lasted to the end of the sad BYU loss.  On Sunday we attended sacrament meeting with Betsy and Jeff.  We love attending their diverse ward and were blessed to hear the testimonies of people from around the world such as Africa, China and South America.  While it wasn't our trypical Fast Sunday activity, we had a wonderful brunch with all the kids at Village Inn before heading home.  The weekend was wonderful.  Being with family is always full of big emotions that range from regret, gratitude, fear, relief and love.  I'm thankful for friends who help me navigate it all.  I'm thankful for God's plan of happiness that give me a longer, wider, better perspective.