Our Anniversary

Saturday of Screen Free Week, Jeremy and I celebrated our anniversary. This year marked the point where I've been married to my husband longer than I have not. I love being married to him.

On May 9, National Babysitter's Day, we started out early- Jeremy made us omelettes beforehand- and started our drive to go birding up Nebo Loop. As we were driving up, having a really heartfelt conversation and crying a lot (this guy is my favorite), we found out the road was closed past a certain point. 

O.K. Plan B. We turned around, drove all the way back down, and headed to Powell Lake in Lehi, listening to music and singing along as we went.

We weren't sure we'd have time to go to Powell Lake that day so this change worked out. It was great- plenty of birds to see. I loved seeing the pelicans in the water and Forster's Terns flying around. 

Lots of birds.

We made a quick stop at Costco after that- we needed Hawaiian sweet rolls for our anniversary dinner with the kids.

Then since our original picnic spot was not available (up Nebo Loop), we went out to Provo Canyon and picnicked at Vivian Park and watched swallows fly around (and a kestrel chase them at one point).

More heartfelt talking and crying as we drove. We ended up at the Heber Fields and saw lots more birds.

It was a long day already so when we got home we took a nap then got up to finish making dinner. We were smart and made some things the day before and Jeremy cut up my pineapple before we left that morning.

We had our traditional anniversary dinner with the kids and Jeremy had his yearly one piece of pineapple.

Jet was very interested in getting pictures of Jeremy's reaction to eating the pineapple.

I've told people before and I'll continue to say it: My husband hates pineapple. He hates the taste and smell of it. Yet every year for our anniversary dinner, he cuts up a pineapple for me because I love pineapple. That is true love.  

Have I mentioned I love my husband? I'm happy to spend forever with him.

Daddy's Birthday

We celebrated Jeremy's birthday in February. Jet really wanted to wrap a present for him so I helped him wrap a package of Andes mint chocolates/chocolate mints(?) for Jeremy to open.

Jeremy had an appropriate reaction when he opened them.

Have I mentioned I love my family so much?

Jet also helped me make Jeremy's birthday dinner.

Ah, my kitchen helper. 

Jeremy was thrilled about that, too.

I do love my family so much. 

Hanukkah

Last night was the first night of Hanukkah. We are not Jewish but I think it is a good thing to learn about other cultures and religions. It’s a way to show love and respect as we all deserve.

So as the kids ate latkes and challah, I read a book to them called “The Story of Hanukkah” by Norma Simon. The recipe we have for latkes came from a Hanukkah book I got at school when I was a little girl.

I introduced them to the song, “Hanukkah, O Hanukkah,” which I remember my brother’s elementary school class learning and singing on the radio many many years ago.

After we ate, we played dreidel with chocolate coins. Over the years we’ve collected so many dreidels, mostly plastic but my son has a wooden one.

My husband was given some dreidels when he did balloon sculptures for a Hanukkah celebration years ago and I think my son’s came from school.

Even in different religions we can find things we have in common, including celebrating miracles. Let’s please show love and respect to others. It’s the right thing to do.

There was lots of love shown in our family yesterday. Lots of hugs. People helping out. Jet even sang a song. "I love you. I love you... Mama."

I absolutely love it when we have good feelings in our home.

P.S. December 14 was also Monkey Day so there was some fun monkeying around going on. 

Catch of the Day

I just love him so much. 

Snuggles!

This little guy loves me.

And I love him.

I am so blessed with the family I have.

Groundhog Day 2024

Okay. The last three posts? I couldn't help it. We were quoting the Bill Murray movie throughout the day on Groundhog Day. Jeremy and I listened to "I Got You Babe" by Sonny and Cher.

It all started Thursday, February 1, when Jeremy sent me a link to a commercial with Stephen Tobolowsky, who played Ned in the movie Groundhog Day.

Happy Groundhog Lay's.

As February 2 was also Tater Tot Day, Jeremy went to look for Tater Tots on his way home from work Thursday. He walked in our door and said, "Tater tots were not a good price. But these were on sale and I thought, 'Groundhog Lay's,'" and set down a bag of Lay's potato chips. He then went outside and came back in with another package of Lay's potato chips and said the same thing. Then he went outside again and came in with one more package saying the same words. Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha. We all got a kick out of it. 

So on Friday, February 2, we ate a bag of those chips. Then Saturday, February 3, we ate another bag since it was "Groundhog Day" again. See previous three posts.

Friday morning I also mentioned it was World Wetlands Day. I'd have loved to go to a wetlands area but it was raining so I was driving on wet lands.

That evening was a funeral or celebration of life for my aunt who passed away recently. Jeremy, Nichole, and I went. It was so good to see so many relatives- so many cousins. I haven't seen most of them in years. Even though we don't get together as often as when we were kids (yearly family reunions at Grandma's), the love in our family is still there and always will be. 

My sister brought one of her kids so we got to represent my parents' family since the weather was not such that my parents could travel from Oregon.

I am grateful that my aunt doesn't have to worry about any of her health troubles any more. She is missed but she gets to be with her parents, one of her daughters, and two of her brothers again. I am grateful for the Plan of Salvation. Life continues after death and we do get to see loved ones again.

He’s So Sweet

 Lucky got a hold of my phone at church.

This was on a hard day for me. He’s so sweet.

My Birthday

I keep telling you. Life has been chaos. I didn't even know if there would be time to celebrate my birthday in May this year. Jeremy asked, "If you were to get what you wanted for your birthday dinner, what would it be?" My answer? "Pizza with the works except anchovies." Jeremy made it happen. We made pizza crust early and Jeremy chopped up and prepared toppings and we had several pizzas to choose from for my birthday dinner. I love pizza.

Oh, and that morning, he made me an omelette. I love when he makes me omelettes. It's a bit of a family history thing I share with our kids. An omelette was the first food Jeremy ever made for me when we were getting to know each other. It was so good. His omelettes are still so good.

I got a little time for myself that day to listen to an audio book or read an ebook (I don't remember which) while waiting to pick kids up from a school activity.

I got plenty of love from my family that day and when I dropped kids off for youth activities that night, a friend of mine pulled several of the young women over and had them sing, "Happy Birthday," to me. I am loved.

It was a nice birthday.

Mother's Day Flowers

For Mother's Day, Lucky brought me a flower from school. Jeremy brought me a flower from work. 

I am loved.

On Mother's Day day, Jet gave me tickles, Lucky gave me a card, and Jeremy made me dinner.

I am loved.

The Story Behind the Photo

Sometimes it is fun to stage a photo for celebrating holidays.

Last year for March 8th's holidays for example, Nichole and I were in a picture with a bunch of things that represented International Women's Day, National Oregon Day, Kenneth Grahame's birthday, and National Proofreading Day.

 

This year January 19 was National Popcorn Day, Brew a Potion Day, Edgar Allen Poe's Birthday, and Whisper "I Love You" Day. We took a photo to celebrate.

This photo kind of evolved. We talked about taking a picture with popcorn and hot chocolate. Eventually we figured out Jr. would have the bowl of popcorn, would be reading an Edgar Allen Poe book, and Lucky would have hot chocolate in a cup that read, "Demented Potion." At the last second, Jr. Jr. photobombed the picture just perfectly by sliding in the back while whispering, "I love you." It was awesome. And his face. Love it.

So that is the story behind this photo.

Year of Miracles

We've decided 2023 is going to be a year of miracles. And not just for us. Miracles will happen for many this year.

We have some big stresses going on right now. The year has barely begun but we're already seeing blessings along with the stress.

It's going to be okay. Through it all, we know that Heavenly Father loves us and is watching out for us. And knowing that really matters.

Mother's Day Love

Jr. Jr.: Oh, Mother's Day. I need to finish making a life size dragon so it can eat you.

Mom: What?

Jr. Jr.: One of the best ways to show someone you love them is to make them a meal. So... the dragon needs to eat you.

Brotherly Love