back home

I had a wonderful trip to Canada for my Grandma's funeral. I had fun catching up with family some of which I haven't seen for 11 years. Of course I didn't have enough time to really get to know everyone all over again but, it was great to spend time with everyone. We had wonderful laughs, and some beautiful spiritual experiences. Really what more could you ask for.

The funeral was beautiful. My Grandma was beautiful.

In the funeral my Aunt Ann spoke some things she spoke about were traditions. and one thing my Grandma did that I think I will pass on is belief, at least for a time in fairies. I know Sammi would take to this very well, because a while back we were on a walk on the property and saw a toad stool and I mentioned that is where fairies like to come and maybe live. Sammi w/o hesitation, picked up from there and asked when we could make furniture for the fairies, etc. I think it is wonderful to have imagination.

I was sad that Jess and Whitney couldn't come to Canada. Of course I wanted my whole family there. I was so grateful to be able to go up and be there. Hopefully next trip everyone will beable to go and reconnect family ties.

I was able to visit with a friend I knew in Spokane. We met in Cali when Joe and I lived there 10 yrs ago. We moved away about the same time. I have seen Kelly a couple of times since and loved spending time with her and her family. I didn't take pictures darn. We have kids similar ages and they remember each other. It was fun to see her when I got to wait to be picked up from family and go to Canada, and also when I had to wait to go back home. Thanks !

I almost didn't make it home on Sunday. The flight was over booked for a few days in a row, so that made me nervous. All was well.

Ian traveled well, on the planes, and when we were in a hotel as a family he really did well. The first night we got to bed so late after traveling so much he woke up screaming for about 5 min. But did go back to sleep. thank goodness!

My family that I traveled with got stuck in Montana Sunday night and were able to start back today. I know they were all anxious to get back.

I spoke with the kids in the airport to the kids Sunday night on my way home. I started to cry. Johnny had a very emotional night and wanted me home. He was sobbing, and telling me he needed me and couldn't wait for me to get off the plane. Hearing a child sob to you how much they miss and need you is so nice and sad. I really didn't feel like I was gone very long, but 4 days is forever for a kid.

Joe said that never happens for him and I told him his is different. Like when he left today, Tyler screamed several times for Joe to take him and sobbed when he even got close to the car. but when he drove away.... Joe I think had a hard time today leaving, with a child screaming for him. I am glad Tyler did that in a way. To show Joe that he is also loved.

I told Johnny I would give him a big hug when I got in the car when I was talking to him on the phone. I got in the car at the airport and gave everyone a kiss,and told them I loved them and got back in the front seat. Johnny said Mom you told me you would give me a big hug when you saw me next. So I immediately went back and gave him a big squeeze, and all the others. He couldn't keep from smiling most of the way home.

The things I do as a mom are pretty mundane, but I love each of my kids and I know they love me. I am so proud of each of my kids and hope that throughout the years that the love I show them will give them strength to do any thing and be able to show their love for others around them.



I took the kids to the school park and wanted to tell what a cutie Tyler was. Ty was running back and forth on a platform sticking his head out each time and telling me Mama!Fa FUN! I just love how kids speak and express them selves.

Grandma Bennee

I have this four generation picture of my Grandma Bennee, my Mom, me, and Sammi. My grandma passed away yesterday. I wanted to post something and leave a post of her. I wish we would have lived closer to her. She lived in Canada. I would see her every few years when we were growing up when we would go up for family reunions. I think she had a very interesting life and was an amazing person. I will be going up to her funeral next week and am excited to connect with my family that I havent seen for years. Also she has a journal, I am excited to learn about her and hear some stories about her life. I really wish I could have gotten to knoe her better, don't we all say that about everyone? I am so glad she wrote in journals, one way to get to know her. I guess I am doing a small verson of journaling myself, and keeping track of stuff in my life. Even if it is to remind myself one day of the things that went on in my days, that would be worth it.

kids

I love having my kids home. I love the interaction they have with each other and how they teach one another things and resolve problems. I love how each one is so unique. I love watching each one play alone or together.

I was watching Tyler play on the playground the other day, swinging on his belly on the swing, and his feet running beneath him. Running around to the slide, head first going down, getting up brushing the non existing dirt off his pants, and then taking the rocks and putting them on the slide. Then going to the rings and holding them with his feet off the ground for about 5 sec. and doing this over and over. I giggled a few times watching him and amazed at what those little bodies can do. He got really frustrated with the trike. he cant reach the petals very well and when he would push it, it would go around in circles.

I watched John ride down the hill on his bike and laughing all the way. Pushing the bike back up most of the hill because he couldn't ride it all the way up. Doing this for an hour and never seeming to tire. Johnny watched a neighbor boy do wheelies on a motorcycle across the street today and a huge smile came to his face and stayed for a long time. He told me later that when he gets his training wheels off his bike he will have to get a motorcycle and try that too. (they will never come off now!) :)

Adam takes to sports so easily. He loves riding his bike and monkey bars are his favorite. Since we don't have monkey bars only rings, Adam will hang upside down for minutes at a time. I really think he would do well at Gymnastics. maybe we will do that this year. Adam has gone up and down our hill tons of times and rests only for a sip of water, or to bounce a basket ball trying not to hit my car. :}

Sammi loves to ride her bike but the perfectionist in her gets frustrated. I have decided to let her be alone and practice riding w/o me around. I think I try to give her ideas of how to do something that I think would be easier and she is just not ready. She plays SO nicely with her brothers. I love her interactions when she is outside being Tyler's Magnet. When Tyler is outside she can't leave his side. I know at times she gets frustrated, but I love it when I see her teaching him something new and enjoys being in charge. When she is in charge and the boys want to play.. she smiles and is so patient with everyone. She made Leprechaun hats for the boys yesterday and gave them all green faces. Ty ripped his up, but she expected that. I love it.

I know I will have some stressful moments this Spring Break, but I really do love having my kids around, and they bring so much joy to my life.

Tyler is 28 lbs I was wrong oops

Johnny said

I want to tell some funny things Johnny has said.
Adam- ouch!! you kicked me in the balls!
Johnny-WHAT! YOU HAVE BALLS! No fair! I want some!

Johnny saw a car pulled over on the side of the road by a cop.
Johnny- Mom did that person do something bad?
Me- probably was speeding
Johnny- no, I think he said shut up. and now he will have to go to jail.

Tyler is 2!

Tyler in hospital look how small, 5lbs15oz 21in3 mo old

4mo old

6mo

6mo

6mo

6mo

about a week ago 2yrs old on his 2nd birthday

You are a wonderful boy! We are so happy to have you in our family. You are very tender and loving. Daddy loves that you run to him every time he comes home and yell, Daddy!!!!!!!!!!!! I thought it was great to have a small and healthy baby to give my arms a break. You now weigh 26 lbs. ( unlike your siblings, they weighed 26 lbs @3-4 mo) I love that you like animals so much. You are very expressive in the feelings you have, like trying not to smile it cracks everyone up and how you love to give everyone hugs, especially babies. You are a joy to have around and love even though you don't say a whole lot we all know you listen and understand. Oh, we all enjoy your dancing.