Another Year Behind Us

(Um, these are 'graduation caps' that took way too long to make. The kids didn't dare eat them for a whole day. On the other hand, Mike had no problem eating them. Although he did tell me they were cute first.)

Well, the kids have put another year of their education behind them. It was a pretty great year for them all I think.

Brigam really had a terrific teacher, but then almost anyone would have been terrific after the one he had last year!!! He didn't ask me once this year if any school day was Saturday like he did EVERY DAY last year. Mrs. Crandall really made Brigam LOVE reading. Remember last year that he didn't even read on a first grade reading level when he left first grade? Well, this year he is past that. He's been reading things that are 3rd and 4th grade books. Or even older as he proved when he took his $1.00 and bought a biology book at the yard sale next door. I know what you're thinking, "A $1.00 for a book?" but alas Brigam has got my gene when it comes to bartering. Just Can't Make It Happen! Anyway, he loves factual books like Jeremy does. I love the fiction that takes me away. They love to fill their brains with all kinds of stuff that comes back at you in almost any situation.

Brigam even begged Mrs. Crandall to send him to summer school. He said he loved it. I think he forgot having to get up at 6:30 last summer every M-Th while everyone else slept. Mrs. Crandall called me and told me he really wanted to go, but from his testing scores, he didn't need to. I told her that was fine. I am so proud of his growth this year. He is a kid with a bright future.

Mykalyn finished up 6th grade still with that winning smile on that cute face. She learned all about social circles this year and liking "cute" boys. I think she definitely got the beginning stages of flirting down and knows what it feels like when boys think you're pretty. She told me that one day she was staying after in a class to help a teacher finish up some paperwork. She was sitting in a desk. A 7th grade boy came in to the classroom for his next class and realized that she was sitting in his seat. He said to her, "Get out of my seat!" The teacher overheard this and said, "(I can't remember his name), Mykalyn is going to be really hot in high school and you're going to want to ask her out. But she will remember that you were rude to her back in middle school and say no. If I were you, I'd change the way you're talking to her." Then the boy said, "I'm sorry, will you please get out of my desk?" I had to laugh at this.

She really tried so hard in her grades this year and one quarter even got straight A's. She took to middle school so easily. Now she is looking forward to playing sports next year. She wants me to put a program of cardio and weight lifting for her this summer. She is still a great person that is occasionally dealing with hormones and her attitude! She's doing great!

Jeremy is still my ideal "student athlete". He's got the grades, ambition, skills and, apparently, the girls. Yes, Jeremy has discovered girls and they have discovered him. Heaven help us for the next 2 years until he can date. On the last day of school a girl even gave him a kiss on the lips IN FRONT OF HER BOYFRIEND. What's up with that?????? I asked him what the boyfriend did. He told me just stood there and looked confused. I was glad that he just stood there and didn't move into punch Jeremy in the lips with his fist!

He got himself A's and B's this school year too. One of his friends said, "Your parents are so cool. They don't ever ground you because of your grades." Jeremy didn't have the heart to tell him that his grades don't invoke grounding because they are so good. They think because he is fun, funny and athletic that he can't be a good student. They are wrong.

He's now practicing football with Southridge HS. He LOVES his coaches. It is great to see him so happy. He told me the other day, "I think this was the best practice I have ever had in my whole life!" What a change from the coach he had to deal with last year. I guess these guys really coach the kids instead of just tolerate them. He told me that they told the boys to ask questions, that's how you learn (very different than last year.) He told me that when you make a mistake they say, "Hey, Nelly, come here. Let me show you what you did wrong." Then they show the boys and encourage them as they run back on the field to try it again. He said that being treated that way makes him want to try harder to do it perfect just for the coaches. Awesome coaches, it makes me want to cry!

Tyler is done with his formal education for a while. He is looking for a full time job. I wish he would find one. He'd love a warehouse job that he could work at all night, but hasn't found one. He doesn't want retail because he doesn't like to push to sell the items (um, wait until he comes back from his mission.)

He is still planning on going on his mission. He won't be 19 until Feb, so he has a bit to go before he needs the $3,000 we told him he needs to come up with. He'll get there. I am just so proud of who he is. He's a hard worker (when you tell him EXACTLY what needs to be done) and he's a nice brother. What a blessing to have him first to be an example to the others.

I am looking forward to what is to come. I love my kids and love to be around them. They are funny, talented, caring and grateful. Now, I hope I can say that at the end of summer when I have to "share" them with their teachers again! :)

20 YEARS OF WEDDED BLISS

Today's the day that marks two decades of love in my life. Today Mike and I are celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary.

Looking back on the boys that I dated before him, Mike basically "hangs the moon" for me. It's really not fair for me to even compare them to him. He is an extraordinary man. He's honest and funny, smart and competitive and challenging. We've had ups and downs, disagreements that are ridiculous (because you all know I'm right), and fits of giggles. I am so glad that he choose me to live his life and his eternity with. I just hope they have racquetball in the hereafter, or Mike will be one bored puppy!

Happy Anniversary, Honey! I love you!

CONGRATULATIONS GRADUATE!

So, my great big baby graduated on Saturday, June 6th from Pasco High School. I mentioned the upcoming celebration on Facebook and I was told to bring plenty of tissue. "Tissue?" I thought. This is Tyler - not Jeremy or Mykalyn. This is the boy that didn't want to even send out announcements because he saw no need for it. This is the boy that DIDN'T pick up the announcements, cap or gown on any day that Jostens was at the school to deliver them. This is the boy that had to have Jostens HAND DELIVER these items to his mommy at home 10 days before the graduation. This is the boy whose mother slaved over those announcements by addressing them, printing cards and pictures to go inside and told the boy to take them to the post office NOW and he said, "You mean right now?" He wouldn't have even bothered to walk if I wasn't forcing him to do so. He just doesn't really enjoy any fanfare.

And with our media/game room Barn, he didn't even want to have a graduation party. He even said, "If I have a party, who will go to everyone else's parties?" Nobody drove up here to see the graduation, no one called on the big day. It was not a big deal for him.

So why would I need tissue? But I got a little pack and set it right next to the camera for us to take with us to the graduation.

As we were at Edger Brown Stadium, in the far left corner the graduates walk down this hill with a really steep grade (sorry all you girls that wore those cute as heck heels!). I saw them from a distance (because we were late and didn't get to sit in the stadium seats. We got to sit on the grass. Good thing I decided NOT to wear a dress.) Here's the pic

THIS is where I started crying. What's up with that? I couldn't tell you. I couldn't even see him at this point, but there I was crying. But with my dad being a B.S.A. professional all his life and training me properly, I was prepared. I wore waterproof mascara. I brought tissue. I just needed to find it in this darn cute purse on the outside that has NO pockets on the inside. Where is that? I can't see! It's blurry! WHAT? They aren't here? Where are the tissues? (Frantic now) Where are they???? Calm down, where did you last see them. Oh yeah, at home on the counter, NOT in my hand that put them in my purse. So I had to stop crying because I had nothing to wipe my tears away and I was wearing a white shirt and we all know that waterproof mascara is not tear and smudge proof.

Mykie decided that she was emotional too so I wouldn't feel bad. No, really she just had dust in her eye, but I thought it would make me feel better.

Tyler is about dead center in this photo. He is sitting to the right of Skyler who has that head full of big black hair. He looks so attentive. Dirk is on the row right in front of Tyler and to the right of him. Lucky for us, Dirk's family found us and sat right behind us on the grass at the graduation. That was nice to share that together.

Tyler at the bottom of the steps with his diploma in hand. OK, technically there is no diploma in that little booklet, just a picture of the high school, but it should be coming in the mail. I know it for a fact because this official school lady announced to the school board attendees at the graduation that ALL these students had done everything they needed to do to graduate so they are graduates. I'm holding her to that.

They did it!!!! Tyler was looking for the cap that he tossed about 17 rows in front of him. He did actually get his very own cap back. I know because like a good mommy I put his full name in the inside.


At the top of my post, you can see that this is my boy who graciously let me have a photo op of him in this purple graduation gown. He's so handsome. He thinks he looks so young. I think he looks great. I would have put the picture of AFTER graduation with Tyler, Mike and I, but because of the rain (yes, it rained during the ceremony. We were very wet with no umbrella. Um, HELLO it is June!! Why the rain?) I really am vain and don't want to share my rain ruined look with you.
All kidding aside, it was an emotional time. Tyler is getting readyto spread his wings. I just hope that as parents, we didn't clip them too much. I want him to fly and see new things and enjoy this life that he has. He is a really great kid. Better than any teenage boy I EVER knew. He's not perfect, but the gifts that he has are priceless and I am so glad that he's mine. I love him 4ever!!!

Jeremy - Member of the National Junior Honor Society

This year Jeremy was nominated to be a member of the National Junior Honor Society. It's a great honor. To be nominated you need to be exemplary in all five of the following areas: citizenship, leadership, service, scholarship and character. You need to maintain a high GPA (minimum is 3.5 GPA) and you need to participate in 1 service project a month. I am so proud of him and his accomplishments.

This is a picture of him as he is getting his certificate from Mr. Brad Klippert who is in the Washington State House of Representatives. He gave a great speech. I was watching Jeremy as he was truly intent on his speech. Jeremy said later that he loved the part when Mr. Klippert said, "It could be one of you that finds a cure for cancer. You know, take to pills and call me in the morning. Poof, cancer gone."

Principle Parker is in the background with his eyes closed. I think he is praying. It's probably something like, "I am going to miss Jeremy so much now that he is going to high school. Please send me another one like Jeremy this next year. Please, please, please!!!"

Jeremy is just the biggest stud EVER and so dang cute! All the girls say so. Really.

Brigam Deals with Death

Brigam has been a busy boy. He has been sharing his great self with Shirley Dickson who lives across the street from us. Shirley's husband, Dean, has been in a life care center since October of last year. He's been struggling with pneumonia several times among his battling diabetes and becoming increasingly confused. Shirley would spend a HUGE part of her day with Dean and return home each evening. Brigam loves to visit with "Grandma" Shirley and "Grandpa" Dean. Shirley, in turn, loves to have Brigam visit. She's really serious when she tells me that. He spends hours over there.

Two weeks ago, Saturday, Shirley had many, many people at her home. This wasn't abnormal, because she's had lots of family and friends visit her throughout this trying time. That morning, Mike and I took Brigam to his early morning baseball game. We came back about 11am. Mike and I left to go work on the house while Brigam changed out of his baseball clothes and donned on his safety hat and safety vest. He had a hold of his tool box in one hand and an extra safety hat in the other, just in case anyone else would need one. He headed over to Shirley's. He as there for hours! Eventually he made his way over to our other house. I asked him how it was at Shirley's. He said, "Great. There's a lot of people over there. They were all telling stories, so I had to tell a few of my own." I asked him what his stories were about. He said, "Oh, you know. Bottle rockets and fishing." Well, after I stifled a giggle, that was that.

About 9PM, Mike and I were still at the house when Jeremy called me and told me that Shirley just called him. She told him to let me know that Dean had passed away that morning and that was why all those people were over there. Heartbroken for Shirley, Mykalyn and I rushed over to her open arms. We cried a bit with her and then she told me how grateful she was to have Brigam spend that day with her. How he helped to make that day a bit more bearable. Then everyone there started talking about Brigam and his great personality. They all love him. I am actually not known by my given name, over there I am known as, "Brigam's Mom".

Before Mykalyn and I left, Shirley mentioned that she didn't tell Brigam that Dean had passed. She thought that should be my job.

I went home grateful that Brigam's little spirit could bring so much joy, but a little downtrodden at the task ahead.

As a family, we happened to all be gathered in the garage of the new house. I came down to Brigam's eye level and told him that Dean had died. That he was no longer at the life care center. He said, "Oh" and that was the full amount of emotion shown by him. I was a little surprised with his reaction. I remember Jeremy's tears when I met him at the bus stop after school one day when he was in second grade. We sat down on the curb together as I told him that his beloved scout leader, Brother Bailey, had passed away. There were tears, hugs and explanations of eternity. Brigam's reaction surprised me.

It was only a few moments later that the family parted ways. Tyler and his friend headed home. Mykie and Mike stayed in the garage. I headed into the house with Brigam close behind. About 10 feet from the garage, Brigam burst into tears. He said, "I am so sad that Dean died. He was so nice to me." I instantly wrapped my arms around him and cried with him for a few moments. Then I said, "Brigam, you've got a great family that really loves you. You are surrounded by people that love you and want to have you around. You live in a warm and welcoming home where we talk about many blessings we receive and it feels good at our house. Your life is pretty good and makes you happy, right?" He agreed, then I told him that with as good as this life is, Dean had gone to a place that was much better than this beautiful life that he left. That Dean missed his family, but was very happy where he was. He will be able to see all of his friends and family again.

Then Brigam spoke with a wisdom and understanding beyond his years. He said, "Right, and what's that word that means you'll never have to die again?" "Immortality?" I answered. "Yes," he continued, "Dean is immortal and well never have to die again. And he'll be resurrected because of what Jesus did, huh!" What a testimony and understanding all from a 7 year old. Simply a priceless moment.

What's Been Keeping You!!!!????

So it's been quite a while since the updating of the blog activity has been performed. I have been busy with my own "extreme home makeover" session added on to all my other activities. This update doesn't mean that our new home is "move-in" ready. We are still a few weeks away from that. This update only means that I am 700+ miles away from the house making working daily on it pretty close to impossible. I am actually at BYU Women's Conference. As always, it has been an uplifting and educational experience. Each time I come, the first thing I am in awe about is the amount of women that are in attendance. In fact, we tried to attend a class entitled, " Sweet and Simple Teachings that Create a Happy Marriage ( you see, I feel so badly that Mike is not in attendance at this spiritual and informative gathering that on occasion, I take a class particularly for Mike. I then take copious notes so that Mike can learn things as well. I am sure he appreciates me and my great suggestions for the betterment of his life. This "Happy Marriage" class fell into that category.) The "classroom" that this class was being held in actually holds about 1700 people. There are 15 other classes at this same time. Needless to say - we, and a bunch of other women, didn't get to attend the class. It was full. No worries though, I told Mike that I would make him a list of Sweet and Simple Things to make my, ( I mean "our" ) marriage a happy one. He is so looking forward to my list.

I've come to women's conference this year with Pam Nielsen, Sherri Russell and Marie Noble. (Not pictured is Marie. She was at a different class when this was taken.) It was a lot of fun. Belly laughing is good for all sorts of things. These girls make that easy. I should do it more often.

Not every class was a "winner" for me though. There were some that were making me "VERY, VERY SLEEPY" thus the need for Chocolate. You see my dad was a Boy Scout and taught me well. I am always prepared!!

I was greeted with this when I drove in from Women's Conf. Mykie (and Brigam made is own) created a welcome home sign for me. Wasn't that so sweet? She's such a girl!

I also got to meet Pam's parents, one sister, brother, a cousin, an "aunt" and a 2nd cousin this weekend. What a great family!!! Her mom and dad (and all of them) welcomed me right in. I am so glad that they are going to be up here with Pam for a change. She has really been looking forward to having them here.

I have also been so busy with that house, I almost completely missed the beginning of Spring. If it wasn't for Jeremy, I would have missed it all together. On a busy street close to our "houses", the city planted many, many trees that line both sides of the road for many, many blocks. These trees have been so bleak and naked for so many months.... Well, I had run Jeremy over to pass off a merit badge sandwiched between putting in a new light fixture and food shopping.

(This is that night at the Court of Honor where Jeremy is now a Life scout. By the end of this year he should get his Eagle. And he's only 14 - what a focused stud-muffin!)

Now back to the story......

As we were pulling out onto this tree lined street - waiting to turn left, Jeremy says, "Mom, these trees are so beautiful! And they smell sooooooo good! Don't they look beautiful?" As I was waiting for a break in the traffic, I looked with new eyes at that lined street. They were beautiful. It looked like fragrant, fluffy clouds on each side of the street. I thought to myself, "When did that happen?" I mean, I drive that street EVERYDAY. I couldn't believe that I had almost missed it and because of my 14 year old boy that actually appreciates beauty, I didn't miss it. Jeremy is the best! Just to prove I don't always miss things, I took this picture of Spring at BYU while we were there. Aren't they so cute?

Tyler just experienced his first Senior Prom. It was his first (and most likely) last school prom. He went with Carmen, the same girl that he went to homecoming with. Now before you get any ideas about a little lovin' goin' on - He asked Carmen because it was a no pressure date. It was a date of convenience for a night of no romantic pressure fun. They went to Bonefish Grill where Tyler learned about overpriced food and small portions for the money. He did have a fantastic looking tux (as you can see). He even had shoes that matched his tie. I am NOT KIDDING! Anyway, he got the tux for a bargain price - he is always getting the good deals! I need to take him shopping with me more often. He even found us an (originally) $1300 couch for the barn for $200 at Walker's furniture. It was a returned item, but it is going to work great for the "play room" in the barn. It was the most comfy couch of all the couches there. I should know, we sat on all of them. Tyler would go to a couch, sit in it, say, "Nope, this isn't the one." And quickly proceed to another one only to say the same thing. I showed him the clearance room and there he found "The One". For a man, he really knows how to shop!

Well, the carpet comes in at the end of the week. We are excited. I told the kids (who are having one heck of a time living together in this house for some reason) that they can sleep on the floor of their new carpet on Saturday the 9th if they want. We will be slowly moving our stuff in during the days that follow. Maybe the kids will want to help again???? That would be a marvel! Then Pam's folks, Mike and Lorraine, will be able to move in here and take care of Mom and Dad's house and the garden! Mom and Dad, it won't all go to weeds now - Lorraine is here!!!!

So there is light at the end of the tunnel - not just another paint can to open! :) I'll post more pictures soon!

Before and Now (not AFTER because we are not quite there yet!!)

The following is a report on why I haven't put anything in this blog for so dang long!!!! With help from the family and the super support from my BFF Pam - here's what's been keeping me occupied!

The house before.... The house now..... the shutters are on a little hiatus - they are looking for a new coat of paint in hunter green.

The front room then ....

The front room now with the "magic" paint that seems to change actual color with each room we paint it in.....

The kitchen then with (mostly) '74 cabinets.....The kitchen now. Yes, it's that blue. I really see it perfectly with the cabinet fronts being refaced and painted a cream color. Seriously.....This is the cabinet in it's nakedness. It's really going to be uber cool! I just might start making nightly dinners again!The stairs before.....

The stairs now. This wood is so pretty. I'll have to work on some worn spots with stain to match it, but the look is really beautiful with all the other wood in the house.

The master bedroom before. The rose carpet is loverly!!!The master now - with the magic paint.Mykie's room before - no seriously - that's really what it looked like.

Mykie's room now. The walls are such a bright yellow that every time I walk past her room I think the lights are on. She wants orange and hot pink in there. It really looks great. Being so bright, it fits her personality perfectly.

Brigam's room before....

Brigam's room now. It is a tool themed room. The words on the wall are different tools made with a font in which each letter is created from tool shapes. Everything is going to be "tool" themed including his "construction" headboard and his sawhorse night stand. More to come.Tyler's room before....

Tyler's room now.... He originally wanted black (what?? Is he Gothic?) So we decided to go with dark blue and white. A definite U of U lover with those bedroom colors? Whatever!
Jeremy's room before.....

Jeremy's room now. He wants it black and white. I'm ok with the black as long as it is on posters. New York, jets, the SLC temple. It will be filled with black and white posters. Go black! The barn before....

The barn now. It also is missing it's hunter green shutters.My craft room (in the barn) before.....

My craft room now painted with the magic paint! I am so excited to fill it with paper and vinyl!!!!

Barn living room before....

Barn living room now.... It's going to be a great place for the kids and their friends to hang out. (Especially since I will be right upstairs ANYTIME I WANT)

Barn kitchen before.... Barn kitchen now.....

Garage before....

Garage now... Look, we've already started making it look stuffed with stuff!

We are all working hard on making the house our home. Carpet should be here in a couple of weeks, so there is still work ahead of us, but it's coming together.