Memorial Day

 
This morning my dad sent a lengthy text to each member of my family.  In the text he listed each individual that has served in the military, their brach and the position they held.  I come from a long line of family that have served our country.  

To honor our fallen military I placed 21 flags around the front of the house.  The flags outline the flower beds and look impressive from the street.  I don't have stand to put up our full sized flag yet, but we will get it up soon.

The United States flag is a significant symbol of our country.  I have flown a flag at each of our homes proudly.  For years those flags flew over Mount Vernon, George Washington's plantation, before flying at our home.   One of the events I had hoped to see was "Flags In" at Arlington National Cemetery.

Just before Memorial Day weekend the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (also known as The Old Guard) honors America's fallen heros by placing American flags at gravesites for service members buried at Arlington National Cemetery.  This includes both presidents, Supreme Court Justices, and memorials.  

Every available soldier in the Old Guard, along with members of others service branches participate in this event.  The small American flags are inserted into the ground exactly one boot length from the headstone's base.  There are more than 260,000 flags placed this year.

I have seen pictures of this tribute on-line and in the news, but over the weekend I got to see it in person.  Arlington National Cemetery is a sacred, solemn, quiet place.  It is also beautiful.  The rolling hills are dotted with white marble headstones, each acknowledging the sacrifice an individual and family made to preserve the rights and freedoms of those of us living in this country.  Among the marble headstones are thousands of trees that make each section feel more intimate.

Each visit to Arlington touches my heart.  I remember all of my hikes to notable sites, the students who placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and watching the 3rd Infantry Regiment march in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  These visits bring me to tears as I feel the gravity of this sacrifice.  Our visit on Saturday was a little different.  This time I was with family, including our grandsons.

One day Cutie E and Little Dude will be old enough to help run our country.  They come from a long line of family members that have said they would serve their country in the most difficult times.  They don't have to serve in the military to support our country.  I hope that the places we take them, the stories we share and the history they learn will help them find their role in contributing to the betterment of our wonderful country.

I love the Unite States of America.  I am grateful for the sacrifices of the men and women who chose to serve along with their families.  

My dad's text meant a lot today.  It helped me to connect with my current and long line of family who chose to serve.  I'm thankful my dad chose to serve, but even more grateful he retuned home safely.

Happy Memorial Day.

Thinking of Family

 Yesterday we got devastating news, my Aunt Cathy suddenly passed away.

How?

Why?

This aunt was my moms younger sister.  She was the one that had a sarcastic comment for everything, with a smile that made you think it couldn't possible be her that said it. When I asked my aunts what they did to help with hot flashes she said, "Eat more sugar".  😂 

Mom, Cathy, Peggy, Karen

She knew how to lighten any moment and make you laugh.  Cathy could even get my mom laughing. I love hearing the stories about her sewing dresses before a dance because she couldn't show up in the same dress she wore the last time.  Or how much she hated to be told what to do, especially by her older sister (my mom).  She LOVED her family.  She gave all that she had even to the last minute to help, love and support her children, grandchildren and great grand babies.

My Aunt Cathy and Uncle Gregg had a special love.  They were always together.  My Aunt would remark how frustrating it was, but deep down we all knew she wouldn't have had it any other way.  These two loved each other deeply.

Uncle Gregg & Aunt Cathy

When my Uncle passed in 2022 we all worried about my Aunt and how she would get along.  Could she fill her life without my Uncle.  She tried.  She filled each day with her family and dear friends.  It did not replace how much she missed him or wanting to be where he was.

Yesterday my sweet Aunt and Uncle were reunited.  How sweet and joyful that reunion must have been.  

Today I've been thinking about my family.  The importance of relationships.  Time spent together.  And the wonderful blessings of eternal families. Our families need us most, but we need them too.  Out of love for each of us Heavenly Father placed us in families that can be sealed together forever.

April 1958

I have the very best aunts. They were tremendous support when my mom passed and as I've tried to navigate life since without her.  More than that they have been active parts of my life from my birth.  I have many memories of eating ice cream, family dinners, holidays, crazy treks up the Multnomah Gorge in a motor home, Lake Shasta vacations, swimming pool adventures, too many family funerals, graduations, weddings and everything DISNEY.  These three women are truly special.  

Heaven received a special person yesterday.  I know there is no other place she would rather be than with my Uncle Gregg.

Love you Aunt Cathy.  

A Masters

 We celebrated another graduation!  This weekend Holly graduated from Troy University with a master's in International Relations.

Its hard to believe that time has passed so quickly.  Preschool graduation, 8th grade promotion and high school graduation only seem like a few years ago.  Yet its already been 5 years since she graduated from Utah State University.

Preschool Graduation with Teacher Teri

Graduation from Banks High School

Holly loves to learn.  She is ambitious, hard working, dedicated, loyal, kind and a leader that will teach, guide and love you.  Choosing to return to school to get a master's was not an easy decision.  School can be very challenging, but her determination see's her through with each obstacle to reach her goal.

During her master's she was deployed, pregnant with Cutie E, took a couple of quarters off to be a mom, then pregnant with Little Dude and moved.  How did she do it and maintain a 3.8 GPA.  Her determination and the support of a sweet hubby.

Graduation took place in Troy, Alabama, on Monday.  We held Holly's personal graduation in our family room on Sunday evening with all the flare, pomp and circumstance we could muster.  Like every other graduation it was complete with a processional, speeches, hooding, pictures and a yummy dessert provided by her local boosters.  It was so fun to see her surprise and giant smile.

Sean and I are so proud of her.  She has overcome her own personal fears and doubts when it comes to learning.  She can do anything.  She can accomplish what others would say is impossible.  Holly has surpassed our education level to become a master.  

She has set a great example for Cutie E and Little Dude.  You can do and accomplish anything your heart desires.

We can not wait to see where her degree takes her.  She truly enjoys the study of how foreign countries govern, interact with other countries and how their diplomacy, security and economics affect those interactions.  

Congratulations Holly, We Knew You Could Do It!

Snack Time

 Holly and I are trying really hard to make sure Cutie E's meals and snacks are healthy.  We also want to expand his taste buds, so we have been introducing foods that I never thought of when I had littles.  

In January my mother in-law gave me a gift card to Amazon for my birthday.  I ordered a small food dehydrator so I could extend the life of farm fresh fruits and veggies.  I finally broke it out of the box!

Cutie E and I tried our new dehydrator to make apple chips.  It was so easy.  I expected it to be more complicated, but it wasn't.  My only mistake was that I sliced too many apples.  No biggie, those extra slices will be added to tonights salad.

While I pealed, sliced and arranged the apples on the mesh trays, Cutie E mixed a few slices on his own while grabbing some to sample.  I stacked the trays, set the temperature, the cook time and pressed start.

Five hours later these yummy apple chip slices were ready for snacking.  The jar was full, but each of us had to sample at least 1 slice.   They passed the real test, they are even toddler approved.

I loved this cooking activity.  Easy prep, cook and clean up.

Now, to brag about this little machine.  It is light weight, easy to use, easy to clean and super affordable.  The only drawback may be that it can only dry 2-3 apples at a time.  Honestly, that is all I need, but if you are a serious dehydrator you might want something bigger.  I included a link below to the exact machine I ordered if you are interested.

Magic Mill Food Dehydrator

Happy Mother's Day

 

Happy Belated Mother's Day!

I had a post ready to go for Mother's Day.  It was the typical mushy gushy post about my mom, being a mom and a grammy.   Each time I read through my message I didn't like it, something didn't sit right.  So here I am a few days later with a slightly different post.  

My life has been shaped by many amazing women.  These women range from my own mother, to grandma's, aunts, sisters, friends, leaders, teachers, co-workers, neighbors and those whom I have served with at church.  Each played an impactful role in who I am today.

If you had asked my mom when I decided to become a teacher, she would have told you at the age of three.  I don't know too many people that know what they want to do at three or have enough life experience to make that declaration, but apparently I did.  I've thought about this.  How did I get there?  What did my mom and dad foster in me at an early age that I knew I wanted to teach?  Whatever it was I love teaching.  My mom was the one I called on difficult days, when I needed new ideas or when everything I tried failed.

Since my mom passed I have had many big life changing moments, the kind where a girl really needs her mom.  While she may not have been here physically to hold my hand, set up my kitchen when I moved or give me great advice on my students she was still there.  What she taught me throughout my life is with me, that doesn't leave just because she is no longer here.  I get to keep each of those lessons, bits of advice, love and memories.

No matter how old I am or will be, I still need my mom and she is still here.

Lynda Diane was the first woman that impacted my life and the most important.

As I was pondering my new post I couldn't help but think of all the wonderful women in my life and how they shaped who I am today. I want to remember these women and their contributions to my life.  In the last two days I have filled up three pages in my journal with names of dear women and the gifts they have given me.  Many of these gifts are so personal I can't share them, but I want you to know how important these women are.  Here are a few lessons I've learned or gifts I have received from these dear family and friends.

Create a home your children want to return to and be sure the cookie jar is full.

Dance in the rain no matter what.

Imperfection is perfection.

Make time to play.

Be sure you have people in your life that make you laugh

Your most important relationship is with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Even when life gets hard and scary don't give up.

Hug it out.

Everyone is welcome.

Be you and let the rest go.

I love you where you are.

Always include the Lord

There is nothing wrong, just not quite right.

Love your children fiercely.

Our covenant paths may look different but we are all trying.

Love with all you have.

You don't have to be blood related to be family.

You can talk of Christ anywhere.

Practice makes permanent.

Dress for success even when sweeping the gutter.

This year Mother's Day was extra special, I got to spend it with my daughter.  I got to celebrate her being a mom of two sweet boys.  Pondering on the lasting influence of my mom and the women who have touched and helped shape my life has brought me much joy over the last few days.  I may be a few days late wishing each of you a Happy Mother's Day, but I hope all the women in my life know how much I love each of them.  I am grateful for each of you and the role you have played in my life.  

Celebrating Our Grads

 As a parent my hope has always been that our kids would do better and be better than I ever could be.Our children are cruising that path of exceeding their parents at rapid speed.

Last week we traveled to Logan, Utah to celebrate the graduations of Harrison and Ragen.

These two have not had an easy road of selecting careers, navigating college life and getting to graduation.  But they DID IT!  They persevered!  They never gave up, worked hard, balanced school life, jobs, coaching, internships and each other.  I don't know how they have taken on so much and excelled in each area.

Ragen graduated in the social sciences department.  If you know Ragen, you know that this is the perfect career for her.  She is thoughtful, caring and always on the look out to help others.  It is adorable to listen to the residents at Sunshine Terrace rave about how sweet and helpful she is.  Each resident that Ragen assists feels special when she is around. I don't know where her degree or experience will take her, but I do know that the people she supports will feel loved and cared for.

Harrison graduated in the kinesiology department.  After he finishes his student teaching in the fall he will be able to teach secondary PE.  The road that led Harrison to kinesiology was a twisty one.  Many years ago he wanted to be a veterinarian, then an architect and just before graduation he decided on a doctor with an emphasis on pediatrics, specifically handicapped kiddo's. Each of these career options fit Harrison at the time, but it wasn't the right one.

After much thought he realized what was important to him, coaching and teaching.  Since making this decision, returning to school and changing his major many opportunities have come to him.  He has spent the last year teaching PE at a charter school to K-8 grade students, been a football assistant coach at a local high school and was the head coach for the JV girls basketball team at the same high school.  This is the right path for him.

Many people say that anyone can teach.  Maybe that is true, but in my experience there are those that can teach and those that want to teach.  There is a difference between these two types of teachers.  Harrison is a natural teacher, coach and leader.  It was evident in his coaching style and in the lessons he put together for his students.  He is a student teacher I would have loved to have teach my students.

Our weekend wasn't just about graduation, but time with family.  My dad and Paulette, Marissa and Jake, my aunt, Sean's mom and sister in-law all joined us for part or all of our visit.  We did stop by the book store for our yearly pilgrimage to gather more USU gear.  Then we visited a few of our favorite shops and yummy foods in Logan.  We did have a little down time to enjoy some Disney sketchbook lessons, pickleball, basketball and the hot springs.  It was a full weekend of fun.

Congratulation Harrison & Ragen.  You have worked hard to earn those degrees.  We are so proud of you and know the next steps will lead you to fulfilling your dreams.