Little Fox

I explained on my last blog that Cody gave us all radio names. Jackson is Tiger Cat and Sara is Little Fox. I wanted to devote a blog to my super fantastic Little Fox. You know the Lord is kind when he blesses us with children who are kind, fun, happy, big hearted and full of life. My little blessing came on Feb 20, 1997 a sweet little package of joy topped by a strip of red hair. Little Fox has always had an easy going nature and take life in stride kind of personality. Because of this, it is easy to hang out with her which I love to do! She laughs easily, is brave and loyal. When we went school shopping, she was so funny. I am beginning to see her own style emerge and yet she was willing to listen to my suggestions and in the end, she was so very grateful to me. She told me she loved her new clothes and what a great time she had with me, her mom. Imagine that! I hope this lasts...maybe it will and maybe it won't, but for now, Sara is a great friend to her mom and I love her for it!

A word about Tiger Cat

When we moved from Utah, Cody and I both had to drive a different car. To stay in touch, we had those little hand held radios. I had Sara and Gracie in the van with me and Cody and Jackson were in our other car. Cody assigned us all "CB" names that we have used since. Jackson's alias is TIGER CAT!
Tiger Cat has always been been fun and full of life. He came barrelling into this world (literally) fast and furious. Had him all natural. By the way, Carol Burnett's description of natural childbirth is absolutely correct. She said its like taking your lower lip and pulling it over your head. Thank heavens he came so fast! Almost had him in the car! The moment I saw his face, I knew I was in for a wild ride. He is fun loving, kind hearted and brave. We went to California Adventure and I made him promise to go on the Tower of Terror with me. When we got there, he wasn't sure he wanted to keep that promise but in the end he did. Screamed through the whole thing and held my hand like a vice but he was there right beside me, brave little dude!
As he gets older, I enjoy more and more his antics, his crazy style and especially his laugh! I can see so clearly in my mind's eye Tiger Cat all dressed up in suit and tie, nametag and scriptures in hand, red hair freckles and all. It will be a bittersweet moment then but for now, I want to see if I can get him to go on the Tower of Terror again with me.

6 things about me

I was tagged by miss Debi and I shall try to come up with six clever little things about myself:

I love the smell of new books. Yes, I am the one who opens up the book and smells the pages.

I think I must have been a fish in a former life because I love the sea. I love the smell, the wind, the salt. I love sunsets over the water, the sound of the waves and the feel of my feet as they sink in the sand.

I am addicted to chocolate...anyone know a good support group?

I love learning about old things...ancient ruins, artifacts and cultures.

I enjoy going on trips but I love coming home!

And last but not least, I love it when my kids started to talk. Annie is doing this right now and it is so very cute to hear all her new words.

A few facts about me. I am not sure if Nikki Bennett has been tagged so now is your turn girl!

Pictures

This week has been so great! Not only the weather, but I have been able to spend some time with my parents. (Isn't it funny how when parents are around we tend to revert to being a kid again just for a little while.) They met us in Seaside last weekend. We had a great time at the beach even though it was just a little nippy...BURRR! The kids were die-hards however, they played their little hearts out in the water and in the sand. I loved watching my dad collect rocks on the shore. They are his souvenir from the trip. He has rocks and shells from all the beaches he has visited. He also played catch with Cody and Jackson, 73 years old and he can still handle the football. (He played in college). I watched as my mom built sandcastles with Gracie and I smiled when she laughed her big hearty laugh as Gracie knocked down all their hard work. I have enjoyed long walks with my dad on the Pipeline trail as we discussed politics, family and my dog. My mom gave me a refresher course in canning as we carefully bottled peaches and pears. She has cleaned my kitchen, folded laundry and loved my kids. While in Oregon, I was profoundly hit with the realization that these moments are less and less as my parents get older. I took a picture of my dad on the beach collecting his rocks and shells, a picture of my mom laughing with Gracie and my mind has clicked many moments that I hope will stay with me long after they return home and I have to be mom again.

Grumpy Grandma

Grandma, the word brings to mind a front porch swing, quilting, homemade bread. On a dark night, the lights from her window are a welcome sight. She is always quick with a hug and one is always welcome at Grandma's house. It seems she has a never-ending well of smiles and love...that is until you graze the back bumper of her daughter's mini-van and then all heck breaks loose!
Ahh the unfortunate driver who happens to park just a tad too close and while pulling out of the space, gently touched Grandma's car, leaving a mark that would take a magnifying glass to see. The driver, realizing her folly went to settle things with Grandma. Unfortunately, Grandma has lost all sense of "grandmaness" when the driver's friend steps in to help. Grandma procees to "invite" driver's friend, (none to gently) to return to her car and informing said friend that she has been on the planet for 70 years, alot longer than her, as if that is some magical phrase that gives Grandma the right to be so dogon mean! The driver thought Grandma was going to pop a vessel, spit fire and spin her head completely around. Good thing there was a fireman close by. Meanwhile, while friend is fielding the verbal blows, the driver is writing down her own infromation and looking up spots the cross at Grandma's neck and the fireman logo on her shirt and wonders why Grandma is so unhappy.

Jackson and Sara at the Kid's Tri in June

Gracie...you gotta love the hair!

Summer Sunshine

I love this time of year when the sun is high and the days are warm. I am listening to the kids outside laughing and playing in the water. It is like a snapshot in my memory of when I was a kid and did the same thing. I love to see their cute faces all covered in otter pop juice and even though I am bugged by the thousands of wrappers left EVERYWHERE, who can say no to "Please mom, just one more? I haven't had a green one today!" There is just something about the summer sun that does more than warm the air. It plays with the mind and makes it easier to remember the long summer days of my childhood running through the sprinklers and eating popcicles until my teeth ached from the cold. I remember riding my bike with the the red sparkly banana seat, I remember sleeping in the back of my parents green station wagon with the wood panel on the sides...no seatbelts. I remember Tang and Postum. I remember watching Love Boat and Fantasy Island every Saturday night while my mom wrapped my hair in pink spongy rollers for church the next day. I remember being at the '84 Olympics in LA. I went to Women's Diving...China won that day too. There is something about that summer sun...

Seriously Adorable!!!

Go Jackson!!!!!

Say cheese

WE ALL HAVE A BAD HAIR DAY SOMETIMES

"What is that Bright Shining Circle in the Sky?"

Gracie's World is Upside Down

PICNIC PARTIES

BUDDING ARTIST BABY

I WANT TO BE A COWGIRL

Cleaning the Reeve's Shower

When it was time to leave a play date with Lily Gracie was given the choice to either stay at the Reeves and do some "chores" or go home. She was helping Lily clean the shower in this photo.