Pre-Thanksgiving

The winds of change came quickly,but that is fine. I've had so much fun with all the good outweighing the bad this last month. Monterrey with Brian was amazing. I loved seeing Santa Cruz all sown to Carmel. Joe Graduated, yay. I had a good IEP with Celia's school so there is some good advocating going on there, despite some trouble.  The visit with Tanya and her son and friends went well. Celia seemed to be enthralled with the snow and it was a great family. time. Black Friday was different this year,but going with Brian and Celia was a lot of fun and not nearly as crowded than on Thursday nigt when I went with Joe. I feel grateful and blessed this holiday season. More peace and happiness through service.

Overall. not too bad

Life has seemed to have sped up a bit. October flew by and what I remember the most is Tahoe. We have had some twists and turns and surprises this month, but it was nice feeling the pull to go to Tahoe. My folks spent ten days there celebrating my mom's birthday. It is tradition to go up and celebrate with a dinner at chart house. This time was no different. Celia and I headed up and stayed in close quarters at the diamond resort which is in town on the water. I love their outdoor fireplaces and the beachy feel with the sand and shore right there. Celia liked the amenities. We played fuse ball and shuffleboard and pool. I couldn't sleep at night so it was nice I had my computer and wireless headphones to drown out the sounds. The air was so clean and clear compared to by us since there were a lot of wildfires and wind a few counties over from where we live. It was so relaxing. We shopped and went in the Jacuzzi and just hung out. The chart house was lovely and Celia and I shared a 14oz steak!

I am grateful to have seen and experienced such beauty at a tough time. When we got back, it was back to reality and business as usual. It seemed very stressful, and i was having a hard time with feeling uneasy about he unknowns. Joe was getting close to graduating and he finished his math course. So, he and I went up to Tahoe to visit the grandparents at the end of their vacation up there. We celebrated Halloween, but our favorite part was the walk to see the salmon. It is so lovely and energizing being out in nature. It was cold, but our jackets help make it wonderful. I decided cold isn't so bad if you have the right winter wear. I'm hoping I keep that attitude as we send Joe of to Idaho in the bitter cold soon. I am exercising my faith to send yet another child off into the world, to go and educate himself and do well. Joe and I ave gotten pretty close these past few years of tumult and strife. I am glad to see him enjoying teaching his primary class and love having him come to church with us on Sundays. It always brings me joy to sing hymns with him and be together hearing truths. Celia is growing up like a weed too. She got an invite from her friend Amelia to go to her trunk or treat on Halloween. She also went to her new friend Olivia's birthday party. I love to see her being social. She did well even though i got invited to stay and hang out with Olivia's mom, Alex. I stayed in the other room and they went upstairs. Mom's can have friendships too!

 

A Lovely Day

I heard the Prophet was going to be speaking at BYU devotional the Tuesday Emmy was going to be in town and it would be on the same day as the Avril Lavigne concert we planned to attend.   We hung out in the morning and watched the devotional. I was happy to hear about what is most important to the Lord at this time. He wants his young people to know the truth, and his laws. He wants to give them more info and to  admonition them to be strong and be examples of those on the path. 

Emmy and I went to Berkeley first to another Ameona store. It was cool, but the one is Hollywood was a bit more impressive with its selection. There were a lot of homeless on the street in Berkeley and it wasn't s cool of a vibe as I was hoping for. We left and headed to the temple after that. I sure could appreciate the hills and weather and beauty from visiting the beautiful temple grounds there. We watched a short video and  there was a good feeling there. 

We visited ck London's square and had a lovely early dinner of appetizers there. It was beautiful and open and nice, which is my favorite. We went to grocery outlet (a nice familiar place)after and then qwent to wait in line for the concert. We were blessed with a good parking spot and enjoyed talking to each other outside.

I was happy to get indoors, and the opener was so entertaining, he danced and wiggled all around and I was cracking up. It was a good concert and Emmy seemed to like it, so did I. We made it home with no problems, it wasn't too late at night. No need for the energy drink we prepared and I came home to a new gaming computer.:) Lights and sounds a new. It was a lovely day!

In and Outs

Emmy is home again. It has been a few weeks since she left and started again at BYU for graduate school. In that time We have changed schools for Joe and are finding a better fit with a blended curriculum. He has moved through some classes and awe are hopeful he will finish and graduate extremely soon. Celia is doing eighth grade and needs my help with homework only occasionally, but the assignment i help her with seem very informative, current and above her grade level. She is learning a lot and being push to learn as well.  We've enjoyed Rah rah coming back to town and went over to her house for a few family dinners, we even went out to lunch at guys for lunch with her and , Emmy and Joe. Its a rare thing to go out to lunch with her so it was a fun surprise to be invited to do so.  we used to go out to eat all the time, but since last year of Spence moving out , it has slowed down significantly. We don't do Tuesday night date nights, but go sometimes out together on Saturdays if the kids(mainly Celia) doesn't want to come with us. When Emmy is in ton though we go for car rides like back in the olden days and hit her favorite stores and restaurants in  town. Including double birthday celebrations for me at McCormick and Smittz with my folks and the claim jumper with the immediate family. Emmy always wants beach hut deli and chili's.

 I was happy to go out with Onder and Celine in Davis recently. Its fun for Bri and I to double date. I was happy to check in on her pregnancy of twins and try ti give and support or advice on their upcoming debut. Our children are blossoming. I can't even imaginary an infant at this time or two! Celia is five feet 8 1/4 inches now and we are always comparing our heights to see if i am still taller and currently, I am.:)

Joe is getting ready for his next step. he is attending the singles ward, I am glad Emmy has been able to attend with him twice, and we have reserved an apartment for him when he starts school in Jan. It is the same place Emmy stayed, Windsor. It was a great spot for her, so I am hoping for the best for him. One thing I've noticed lately is that the kids seem to feel a sense of family unity. I know Joe will come home and visit and that Celia feels a great part of our family community. Emmy is home and seeing us all the-time and Spence seems to really love our visits and the kids( except Celia) love to visit and bond with him too.  We got him a new washer and dryer for his duplex, it was so needed. I also put up curtains to block out the sun and keep his electricity bill from being such a chunk of his money. they are grays and cute.

At home, we play Magic the Gathering all the time now and Emmy sits in on it too when she visits. I admit, it has become a little more fun and challenging making and playing my own commander deck, but it can be quite time consuming. I hope all this time together thinking, planning and playing these games with benefit our children and they can learn life lessons and feel connected.

I have been enjoying temple work and family history on my family search app lately. My calendar is connected to my ancestors dates and I am notified of birthdays and anniversaries and their special days. It is interesting to read little facts abbot their life and it brings me joy.  I love the picture I have in m y living room of all the family or angels above the head of a woman interested in her and her doings. It is difficult to help and mold the future generation especially in faith  leading to testimony and strength in the gospel. I know my extended family on the other side of the veil is interesting and rooting for me in  my efforts. I hope to be buoyed up and come off conquering in this endeavor. I love my family so much and i want their lives to be as happy and as fulling as mine.