Kaj's 16th Birthday

Well... Kaj, as many have noticed, has had a "glow up." Even according to him so I feel like I can say it. He has always been handsome, but he is very handsome kid. 

Kaj had a very fun 16 birthday, I hope. We had his friends come to the church where we could have food, music, volleyball, and hanging out. It was. very simple to put together, but he was very grateful. 

He is consistently one of the most emotionally mature- not just kids- but people I know. He is very aware of others, he takes those signals a step further by checking on anyone who seems down or sad. He is reliable, in tune. His music is a whole new level these days. The music he has been able to create is so impressive, and no mom goggles are on as I say this. He is really very good. He is very capable, and he knows what it means to be a good friend, brother, and son. He is able to articulate himself very well. He is able to make really seamless conversations with people very easily, and I think he puts others at ease. We were at the dentist recently, and Kaj talked with the dental assistant the whole time, and when we were leaving she committed on how impressed she was with Kaj, that it is not usual that young men are so polite but that she can also have a really enjoyable conversation with as well. No surprises there. I get these kind of comments often. They credit me for it- which I just don't think I can receive..he has grown and learned how to be skilled at these things. Kaj is meant for great things. 

 

Prayers

I think what I will drop here with these beautiful flowers is the recent story about prayer. Lily and I were on our way out the door to meet up with the Sister Missionaries who are currently teaching a woman who has a daughter Lily's age. As we were leaving Rowan came downstairs panicked because he didn't know where he wallet was. He was planning on spending a little money, and suddenly couldn't find it. Context wise, Rowan is a saver. He has hundreds of dollars saved.. or maybe he is just not a spender, but either way lots of money. He was panicked and in tears, and worried he may have dropped it somewhere. 

I was trying to head out the door, and calmly told him, it's going to be ok, try to really think about it to see where it could be, just stay calm, and I would help him when I returned. Mind you- I know I would be feeling the exact same way he was if I had lost my money. But, of course, trying to not worry him more, and stay positive. I left with Lily and some minutes later Rowan called again still worried, still crying out, and I just reminded him stay calm, retrace his steps, and then asked him if he said a prayer. He told me, no. I getting out of the car to meet up with the missionaries, and I said a little prayer that Rowan would find his wallet. As I opened the car door for Lily and hurriedly checked behind my drivers seat, and lo and behold, there it was. I called Rowan right back and told him I had found it. Now, I think this story is not about "see, all prayers are answered that fast." No. What I got from it was Rowan needed the answer that fast. God, who knows Rowan, knew he needed the answer to relieve his sorrow and concern that quickly. The other thing ended up being that the missionaries were teaching the lesson on this very thing, I was able to share this story that just happened, and then the lady being taught said she had never even thought about praying over something like this. 

Now... what about the prayers I have been saying? The ones I have been saying for years. I guess what I have to trust is that there is timing. Some answers aren't immediate maybe because the timing isn't quite righ yet. I have gotten some strong answers lately, but I still am feeling them little by little. I also do feel like the realness of the answers, and that it will be ok. 

Now, these lovely flowers...and this lovely night. How lucky I am to have these women in my life. They are all so amazing. We picked weeds in my friend Emily's garden and then came home with glorious bouquets. It is an amazing feeling that can come from friendships that see you, feed you, nurture your should...same things with flowers.  

Spring Break '26

       

Spring Break in Utah, of course. This was a very memorable trip. I think they all are in their own special ways. Personally, things had been feeling very good at home with Sam. That was memorable. As aways, my family has always shown up to be the definition of a "support system." 

We came into town, and missed Meg's family right away, because we usually stop in to see her family first.

We started out of the time there quickly by watching cousin soccer games. Seeing the kids with their cousins is such a delight. They love each other so much. 

We had a couple days there before Lily encountered her Ebike injury. We are still dealing with that today actually (see pictures below) We were enjoying the Sunday dinner with everyone. The cousins were playing together, it was beautiful weather. We had taken the E bikes out on a ride, and then some time later Whitney took Lily out again, I stayed back having a Titanic conversation with Caitlin and Brother Sam. Suddenly Elsa appears, and. she says " Neen, Lily's hurt." I did know immediately it was something serious. Elsa had been on the second E bike, so I jumped on it, and drove a little aimlessly. I knew the usual route we would take and yelled to Elsa, "Where are they?!" I turned and then I saw Lily rolling around in the grass crying out in pain. What happened: Whitney suddenly heard Lily screaming, and she hurried a stopped. Lily ankle had been de shoed, and through her sock and gotten caught in the spokes of the bike. She had two spots. One the was fairly small, but the other...I really wasn't sure how deep it was. It was very deep, and white. I thought, "Am I seeing bone?" It wasn't bone, because with the speed of an E bike it had cauterized her skin so she really wasn't bleeding much at all, because it was essentially a deep burn. It was awful. I picked her up, and ran down the street with her in my arms wearing my bike helmet still, Elsa and Whit riding next to me, and Elsa asked if she should speed ahead and tell my mom what had happened. She did. We were able to get her in and get her comfortable pretty soon. She was still crying, but also so brave. I called Sam and FaceTimed him to ask what he thinks, and he said it was going to be ok. My mom, Whit, and Elsa went to the store with some supplies. I just laid there with Lily. Worried and wishing it wouldn't have happened on one hand, but on the other feeling extremely grateful it hadn't been worse. Because it could have been worse. I don't like to think of that now. We kept in clean, and her on pain meds the first couple days, and I slept beside her that night thinking if she wakes up in pain, I would want to be right there. So, she was on crutches the rest of the trip.

As I mentioned before, discussing Titanic, and that is because we went to the Titanic Exhibit while we were in town. I had shown the kids Titanic perhaps 6 months prior. They really liked it, and I remembered how much I loved it. I mean...the young me loved Leonardo DiCaprio very much, but I also really ended up loving the history of the Titanic, and it was fun to go back through the history of that after watching the movie. So, with that resurrected love ignited I was thrilled to find out that this would be still be in town when we were visiting for Spring Break. I went with my sister Whitney's family and my mom. Everyone is assigned a real person on the Titanic and given a boarding pass with that person's information before they walk through the exhibit. So, it had their class, how they came to be on the Titanic, who they were traveling with, and perhaps the why they were heading to America. Whitney had a rick 1st class man traveling with a manservant and a family. I was a 3 class woman with 3 kids. Rowan began reading his. A second class man, traveling alone, with a job as a chauffeur.. Rowan then came up to me holding his card, "This isn't sounding good for me." 😂 And he said it in a way the only Rowan can say it. We walked through the exhibit, and Lily rolled through-because we had to get her a wheelchair. But we were able to see different artifacts from the Titanic. You walk through 1st class down to what the 3 rd class would be. It walked through the last hours of the Titanic, and the many distress signals that tried to warn them of the icebergs, and how many were ignored. It really is a fascinating story. And you know the end..it sinks. At the end they had an iceberg that you could touch, and the water that night was 10 degrees colder than that iceberg. In the end, Rowan was the only one in our group who died. 

Iceberg ahead! 

 We really did have an amazing time. We really always do. The kids never want to leave. Whit took off extra days of work, we got an extra day with just Caitlin's family at the end. We went to a lot of parks together. Lily was the bravest, sweetest trooper the whole time. She really didn't complain. She had sweet cousins that helped her and would carry her around. 

One thing that never fails to impress me is my kids. I have been doing this Utah trip by myself at least 10 years. Rowan was probably a year old when I started. It was so hard back then. I remember taking them into all the bathroom stops, I remember the diaper changes at the stops, there has been car sickness, there has been toppers not closed all the way- it's been a lot, and it's been me on my own. But, I am not on my own. My kids have always always stepped it up on this trip. They see me, they see me trying to make this trip happen, they know it isn't easy, and they do what they can to help. They really step it up. They switch into this gear that comes through in every way. They are grateful, they are helpful, and I guess I will say it again-they are grateful. There is no shortage of "thank you's" that I hear throughout the trip. Every place we go, every place we stop, at the end of each day, and at the end up the trip. They really are the people that keep me going. They are the people who make me feel like I am not doing anything alone. 

Wheeler Farm

Slick City carried the whole time

Lily's foot the day after 

 

Josh's 14th Birthday

Joshy Bear himself turned 14 this year. He has grown up so much this last year- physically speaking. ( and probably in many other ways too 😏) But right now, I am just speaking to the physical because he is now taller than me..,I realize this is not the feat that I am making it, but it is still strange going from my boys that I have always been taller than to when I am finally not. He is very strong, very athletic. Josh has woken up this past year early in the morning to get to the soccer fields before school. A very funny phase I want to remember. He would come to the house after practicing at the field and come make milkshakes with his friend, Jack, at our house. Or the other option would be them riding their bike to Chik-fil-a and making friends with the workers. 

I appreciate that person that Josh for so many reasons. He is an amazing brother. He has helped Rowan with his math homework, he has stuck up for him at school on a few occasions. And, actually the way he handled it was pretty much the best way anyone could. He found out who was being the problem, then he pulled him into him and whispered: "So, you know Rowan?" The kid "Yeah."  "What happened today?" The kid tries to explain. "Is that going to happen again?" "No" The kids say quickly. 

Josh has lots of friends. He is a good friend. We had some girl drama with his friends and the day of Josh's birthday his best buddy was "broken up with" I say it like that because...really? It's middle school. But, nonetheless, Josh was mostly trying to ensure that he was happy that day. 

Josh is funny. Josh is quick-witted, he is aware of others, he is aware of his surrounding. Josh is also the boy of mine who tells me I am beautiful every day. Every single day. Not Sam-😂 Josh. He is actually setting the example of doing this..Jonah tells me all the time now, and Lily is starting to as well. 

Josh asks great questions, I love talking with him. Josh is also my equal in seeing the best in others and trying to stay positive. He notices (like me) quickly when attitudes need to shift and start thinking more positively.

Josh draws people to him, as he always has, and I predict he always will. I love my boy Josh, and I am so very thankful for him.

 

Just more about Rowan...

 I was able to attend Rowan's last band performance of the year. I do have to admit it was an improvement than the first one. It was with all the grades. I couldn't find him in the crowd at first, and then I spotted him., smiling with his friends, listening to the solo that they were doing, and being genuinely happy for their accomplishments. Rowan is the best hype bro anyone can ask for. I see how he looks at his brothers, I see how is charmed by their talents, and proud to be their brother. This boy deserves the world. I know that is he really looking forward to the summer, and I am hoping to make it everything that he would want, also. 

Rowan was talking to Jonah about the girl "who stares at him,  followed by, "I mean, I know I'm everyone's type." 😂 Yes, yes he is. 

Rowan is everyone's type. I think that if he makes the right friends, and is around the right people, I think Everyone loves Rowan. His teachers love having him in class, he does have some friends, and I hope that his friendships continue to develop. I still believe that God is in the details to Rowan's life. 

Lily's 7th Birthday

Oh boy... Lily is looking more and more grown up by the day. I will tell her she is beautiful- I make she gets other compliments too. 💁🏼‍♀️ But, she does not like it when I tell her that. She'll say "You have told me that a million times." But, she just is the loveliest thing. She is extremely smart, and a very good student. She has great handwriting, and very creative drawings, and she retains so much of what she is learning. She is still a bit of a snuggler, but I kind of feel like that could be coming to end soon.. she doesn't like to hold my hand as much anymore. It's hard to let go. We have a really bad ski season this year, and we have only been able to go 3 times. But, Lily is such a great skier. It is so fun being able to watch her do the things that I was always a little more on the nervous side to do. 

For her birthday she just wanted to go with a couple of her little friends to the trampoline park, the other one in town, and then we went and ordered Chik fil a, and had dinner back at the house, and had cake and presents. By the end of the night, it seemed like she was really odd with low energy, and when her friends got picked up, she told me she wasn't feeling well. I took her temperate, and sure enough she had a fever. She was so sad, and she kept saying, "Why I am sick on my birthday?!" The injustice. But, I talked to her about how germs don't know it was her birthday. She skipped school the next day, but was luckily feeling a lot better.

I love this little girl so so much. She really is so sweet and kind, and is definitely aware of others. She plays hard with her brothers, and does not like to take it down a notch even though I tell the boys to please do so, because she is still a lot littler than them. She loves unicorns, reading, and laughing together. Her favorite color right now is black, followed by purple. She wants to be a veterinarian when she grows up, and I am sure she can do just that. She still absolutely loves animals. She is a force. 

Lily recently really wants to earn getting her ears pierces and in a very interesting twist is asking me a lot of questions about...ahem.. periods. I know, I know! I never thought I would be explaining periods yet to my 7 year old. But, because we already have an honest rapport, and I always have encouraged asking questions with an honest back and forth, I am answering the best I can. I had explained that she already has eggs, and then that boy brings something that mixes with what the girl has. (I mean she's 7) And she stopped and thought for a minute trying to figure some things out. I complimented her great questions and I said, "You're like a little scientist." Lily said.."Yeah...like a scientist that doesn't know very much" 😂

Oh Gosh! I love this girl so so much. She is the dream of a daughter that I could never imagined. 

 

Rowan's 12th Birthday

Rowan turned 12 this year. He keeps telling me next year he will be pretty much a grown up. But, I am reminding him that 13 does not mean a grown up, but yes, he will be a teenager. He likes to see me squirm with that information. I mean, I don't know what parent likes it when their kid turns into an official teenager? Nonetheless, he is not 13, he is 12. 

Rowan is a very good kid. We recently had report cards come through and almost every one of his teachers commented that he was a pleasure to have in class. This does not surprise me. He is inquisitive and friendly, and friendly to his peers. 

He is not without hard days at school, but perhaps I will write more on that another time. 

For Rowan's birthday this year he wanted to go to the Trampoline park so we went to Mountain Air as a family. It was lovely because we almost had the whole place to ourselves. He wanted English Sausage Rolls for dinner, and the usual bundt cake. 

Rowan loves basketball right now, and he is still making goals for his running and improving his next season for cross country, and I think he will be really excited when Track and Field start up. He is still very talented on the piano, and he is always very creative and fun. He has really liked being in Young Mens and he is lucky to have Josh and all of Josh's friends at school with him this year. They all look out for him, and really care about him. 

We love Rowan so much, I think my favorite thing right now is watching a Seinfeld with him before bed. He really loves it, and will do these big laughs, and look over at me while he is laughing. He can remember and repeat all the jokes even if her has only heard it one time. His favorite class right now is Tech, which he admitted that at first it was really boring, but now it is fun. 

He is a strong kid, and he has had so many things that make him stronger. We love Rowan in our family. 

We went around the dinner table to say one thing that we love about Rowan, Jonah's suggestion- which I love. Rowan's face was delighted. Jonah began, "When I was younger, " 😂 and then he proceeded to laugh at his own joke, "I asked Rowan if we could be bros. I love having Rowan for his brother." 

 

What happened on Rudy's Birthday

Well, the title was just supposed to draw you in.. did it work? 🤨 Because, let's be honest, what happened for Rudy's birthday was he still spent it like a dog. Taking multiple naps, hanging out with his peeps, and then taking more naps, but he also got a birthday hat, a special dog cake, and a new toy, but other than that he was living his best life, like he does every day. 

 But, really the day was about Jonah. Jonah had taken his day off yesterday. Quick aside, I made contracts with all my kids this year that they could take a "brain break" day, and just have the day for no other reason than they just need a day. So, Jonah took the day off, and we played some card games and went to cuppayo and watched a movie together. Today, however, was not that day, but when he woke up he didn't want to go to school today either. 

First, frustrated, I told him he needed to go. I am realizing it is quite difficult to actually make your kids really do anything they don't want to do. So, after telling him he needs to get himself ready to go by the time I circled back home for the other boys quite firmly, but feeling badly  I called him before picking up Kaj from seminary to say that I was sorry, and that I loved him, and was ready to listen if there was anything else going on. He then told me there was "this jerk" at school. He had been unkind to Jonah and his friends, and had whistled really loud in Jonah's ear- all of which maybe doesn't seem like much, but to him, it was, and it bothered him enough that he didn't want to go to school. 

I immediately let his teacher know, and she was quick to respond and also quick to let the vice principal know. I received a phone call from her, and she planned to talk to the family, and have the people out at recess aware of Jonah. I must say I am impressed and continue to be impressed with Lava Ridge. We are very lucky to be at such a great school. I was able to pass this a long to Jonah, but he was still really upset going. I gave him a bit more time. Around noon we got to the school,  he still continued to be upset, and really didn't want to go. 

I was pretty much at a loss. There this battle that happens- it's not that big of a deal-he can stay home the rest of the day. After all, he had missed most of the day, but the other side says will he do this same thing tomorrow? I needed him to do the brave thing. His teacher and people there care about him, and I knew it would be ok. We said a prayer. We talked about not letting someone else have power over you, and I reminded Jonah that he was powerful. We walked in together. He was the sweetest boy in the world. He was sad but brave, and then I cried as I left. 

At night, we went for a drive -this happens a lot- as Kaj is trying to put in his hours in to driving, and Jonah and Josh came with us. The older boys ran into Target, and I stayed in the car with Jonah. He quietly said, "I don't have a best friend. Or a best friend I can trust." 🥲 We had a chance to talk about friendships and that right now it was important to make a lot of friends, and that a best friend he can trust will for sure come. I was telling Jonah that he has a lot of friends but I understood that he wanted a best friend. We moved on to talking about a couple of other things and then he said, "Wait, I do have a best friend....You. And I can always trust you." Talk about absolutely melting my heart. He is amazing. He honestly has the sweetest, biggest, most tender heart. Protect this boy at all costs. 

He also said recently, that it would be a "leprechaun miracle" if Josh had been born on St. Patricks Day. 😂

Happy Birthday Rudy. You're getting so big! 

 

Christmas 2025

 Our Christmas this year was a good one. The kids all got new skis...but, we didn't get any snow. We were anticipating lots of ski days but we did not have a one. 

We picked our beautiful tree ourselves, but it did take us two tries. We went out after work one night and it was getting dark so fast, and we had  been looking in areas where there was a lack of trees. But, the following week we were able to score the winner.

We still loved the time altogether, and I literally can't believe how huge my kids are.