Congratulations to the graduates

Tonight Chaiya and her dearest friend Julian shared the stage together as they both graduated from their respective home schools.We took some great before shots! You would never imagine what kind of interesting footwear they had on at this point in the afternoon.
How blessed I have been to have this amazing daughter who is good in so many ways.This is our yard before all the guests arrived. Helena (Julian's mom) sent out 70 invites, I was worried we would not have enough room. Everyone important came! We had just enough chairs.

Here they come walking to the familiar "Pomp and Circumstance"

Chaiya wanted to use the theme song from Mission Impossible instead.

Even though they had been messing around all afternoon and making jokes. You can see on their faces that this was really important to them.
Chaiya had just received her diploma from Michael. You can tell by what Thayne is up to at that point that he was quite the terror this evening.
Julian is receiving his diploma from his father Mark.

The proud graduates!

After the ceremony, we had refreshments of cake and cookies with punch.

Helena and I had set up a table with their pictures and samples of past school work for everyone to look at. We so enjoyed being able to visit with all our friends and supporters. Thank you to all who came and shared our evening, we are so happy you could be a part of this special moment!

Julian and Chaiya are now out partying and having a good time sans parents.

Tonight is the night

This is a copy of their invitation minus all the personal details. If you need the address just let me know. We are so excited for them. See you tonight!

Happy Memorial Day

I am always hesitant to say "happy". Lydia asked this morning why we don't celebrate it more. I told her I wasn't quite sure how to celebrate something as deep and meaningful better.
I served 3 1/2 years in the USAF and my husband served almost 22 years. I have always felt so very strongly about the people who have given their lives so I can homeschool, speak my mind, go to what ever church I want, purchase large amounts of food, walk in safety downtown, and so much more. The world we live in is sometimes quite confusing but I am so grateful that I live here in relative peace and happiness. I am grateful for men and women who have given their lives. I truly wish that all the mothers and children everywhere could sleep tonight in freedom and peace.

two happy things

It may not look like much but some times the smallest details are what can change a whole day around. For awhile I have known that my soul needed red geraniums! When I had my little magical house in Chino I had flowers planted all around my yard and they brought me so much joy.

So last week when Chaiya and I were out shopping, we picked up these lovely things. I already had the large urn that I used to use for weddings. Every morning I roll over in my bed and right outside my window this is what I see. It makes me smile to see the red splash of color and I feel so much better with them right there.
This is what I drink most mornings first thing. I vary the ingredients of course but I love spinach and fruit green smoothies. I swear it is how I have any energy at all. It looks much prettier before it is blended.

These are just two things that I am happy about today. Hope you have at least two things that make you smile.

buried

Michael just took a load of towels from the dryer. He called for Thayne to come and then Thayne promptly flopped down on the ottoman . Michael dumped the hot towels on him and then this little voice came from underneath and said, "Thank you Dad"!

This was much to my surprise.

Apparently this is a father-son ritual that I have not been privy to before.

Happy Birthday Maliea!

Yesterday was Maliea's 21st Birthday!Ackkkk! How did my first born little one become twenty one years old!

Maliea was 3 1/2 lbs and 16 inches- twenty one years ago. When I was first able to hold her in my arms, I thought every bit of her was perfect and I was right. Maliea is kind, gracious, peaceful and such a blessing to me. She is a reminder to slow down and enjoy being present.
On Friday, she and I went out for a few hours to go shopping and to have an ice cream treat. Maliea chose a porcelain egg box and a really fancy notepaper thing for gifts. We had the best time shopping together and enjoying each others company without all the other siblings.
We had a wedding reception to do yesterday so we couldn't do anything on her official day. Today she unwrapped gifts from us. Chaiya is gifting her with a makeover, to be magicked by one of the ladies she babysits for. Maleia got the next installment of her favorites Warriors series. She is already a quarter of the way through.

Maliea also received a beautiful glass hummingbird. Now we surprised her with the rice krispy "cake". Tomorrow we are going to go get the cheesecake that she has requested but I wanted her to have something today. We threatened to make her blow out that one candle 21 times.

Happy birthday my gentle loving daughter! We love you so!

Snipps and Snails

and puppy dog tails...that's what little boys are made of!

My nephews dropped by for the afternoon yesterday and to their delight they discovered snails in the backyard. So Thayne, Mario and Diego collected tons of snails and were having the greatest time. You would have thought that they found a pirate's treasure full of gold.

My husband's breakfast

A little while ago we were grocery shopping and ran into our friends the Webbs. Now, I am sure NONE of you have ever done this, but I did a quick check of the basket to see the contents lest we be judged.
As Melissa can tell you, I first screamed and then swore because there was bologna in my basket. In the midst of rice milk, organic fruit, natural shredded wheat and Annie's homegrown bunny grahams there was processed mystery meat!!!
Michael had the cart for a little while previously and to my horror place the dreaded bologna in.
Now Melissa is totally cracking up at me, I am sure. Michael quickly grabs it out of the basket and returns it to the cooler shelf.
I realize my reaction might have been a little severe. Marriage is all about honoring the other person, loving them despite their faults, being committed to the whole.
I gave in and let the bologna be purchased.

This morning he ate a bologna, cheese, mayo sandwich with the Annie's homegrown bunny grahams layered inside.

The washing of the blankee

Thayne calls his blanket , "MY NEEDS"!

We call it his net. It used to be a lovely large chenille blanket that was soft, warm and cozy. It has no resemblance to its former self.


I have always practiced attachment parenting techniques. Thayne is probably my kid that has had the most stable and secure environment to grow up in. Why he has a security blanket is beyond me but I am blaming it on his less than perfect homebirth. LOL


Now you will probably think I am the worst mom in the world for letting his blanket get so dirty but it is literally hanging by a thread and he doesn't like to let go of it.


So tonight he said in a very loud voice, "My blanket stinks!" Thayne has speech delays so the fact that he was so clear was surprising. He was right! That blanket smelled so bad.
So I took him to the bathroom so he could wash his blankee.



Fresh and clean! Not sure how much longer he is going to use it. We bought a green replacement
a year or so ago but he never transitioned. There is not much left of it but it sure has been loved.

Graduation #1

For a home schooled student, Chaiya really gets around. First it was the prom at her friend's high school then she was asked to sing at Prescott High School's Baccalaureate that occurred this afternoon. A Baccalaureate service is presented by members of the graduating class that reflects their spiritual values in their lives, it is filled with uplifting music and performances.
She sang with a group of other graduating Seniors and had to borrow a graduation gown in that school's colors because she obviously did not have one.
Then she drove home quickly from that to change and eat then ....... Tonight we had the honor of attending her graduation from her Seminary course. This is a four year course that she had to attend every week day during the school year. It is through our church educational system but she attended it at the local high school. Chaiya was the only person to graduate from our ward! We are so very pleased with all her hard work. Being a righteous young lady and staying strong to your values is a hard thing to do in this world. Especially when your friends do not stay on the path. Chaiya is a truly beautiful girl on the inside as well as the out. We love you!!!


ps...it is going to look like May's entries are all about Chaiya. Her homeschool graduation is on the 28th. We will be mailing invites tomorrow.

bubbles

First you take some cotton yarn/string and tie it so you have a circle. Ours were a little too long at first so we shortened them. Mix up bubble mix (recipe to follow) and talk big sister into playing too!
Pictures do not lie..Maliea really needs a haircut!

Then make lots and lots of bubbles and chase them around the yard until you are mega hot and tired.

Nothing is more fun than seeing the joy in your little ones eyes as they chase bubbles around the yard!

We took a tub and mixed up this recipe:

Bubbles

2/3 cup dish soap ( Joy or Dawn works well)

2 1/2 cups of water

1 1/2 TBS sugar

I usually double this recipe. If you have any left over refrigerate it because the sugar encourages bacterial growth.We have tried to use commercial bubbles and they are not strong enough to make the giant bubbles we get with our strings. Tie cotton (acrylic has never worked either)yarn in a circle about 8 to 10 inches around.

Dip and pull and wave around

LAUGH and GIGGLE

Promises

Michael spoke with Lydia on the phone after her party on Wednesday. He promised her that when he got home he would take her out for dinner and a movie since he missed her birthday.

Little girls don't understand that those kind of promises are made with the intention of the outings being a few days after Daddy arrives home.

Lydia was soooo excited to go out with her Daddy that he consented to go this evening. (Even though he is exhausted)

My nephews are in a theatre production of Willy Wonka. They play oompa loompas. I suggested to Michael that Lydia might enjoy seeing the play.

That was an understatement!

First off a woman gave up her seats on the front row for them and then the Candyman came down and gave her a lollipop!!!

Michael and Lydia had such a great time, daddy/daughter dates are so special.

Daddy's home

After having to sit on the plane for an hour and a half after landing, he is finally home safe and sound and about 10lbs heavier! Needless to say, he said he has had more meat than he has eaten in years. Apparently four meals a day is the norm around there.
For dinner all he wanted was a salad.
We are so happy to have our daddy back home.

Empty nest

I have never seen a more determined snake. After many attempts at relocating this snake to different parts of the yard and Chaiya even whacked it with the broom to try to get it away; it succeeded in eating everything out of our robin's nest. We went out at night when the robins were screaming again and after awhile it all got quiet. Our discovery was a very fat snake climbing down the tree.
There is a part that is a little angry and another part that knows this is just how nature works. I had really wanted Thayne to experience the joy of watching the baby robins grow and leave the nest. Mr. snake must have been really hungry. Mom and Dad robin have not been seen since. I wonder if they will come back at all...even next year.

Happy Birthday Lydia!

Today is Lydia's 9th birthday!! On her list.... a catwalk (no she still doesn't have one yet), fashion stuff and an art kit.
We had her friend Katy over for the day and a special little tea party was planned with mini-cupcakes, punch and one big cupcake for the nine candles!



A special table with a pink satin runner had little teacups with party favors. They colored butterfly frames that I later placed a picture of them both in it. There was also some paper crafts with stickers.
Since Lydia doesn't blow quite as hard as needed for nine candles, Katy helped her make a wish.

There were lots of gifts. Katy brought some Webkinzs and Nurse Debi presented Lydia with an art kit and projects.
Maliea got her an adorable mini-tea set in a wicker basket! It is red with white polka dots.
Now of course this girl gets her "fashion sense" not from me. She desperately wanted fashion clothes. I gave in and this is what she is struting around in.

Daddy, with this pose she just might be on the red carpet someday, like she hopes!

I think though that she has had the most fun with her miniature accordian. Let us see if I regret this gift choice in a week.

Every year on her birthday , I am amazed at how much she has gone through and that she is still with us. This is the first full day that she has been off the oxygen since a week ago Monday. It has been a long week and a half. I haven't slept much and I wish there was a way to lessen the worry that comes each night wondering if she will make it through. I am so grateful to this little girl who always has a smile and so brightens all of our lives!

Lydia, I hope that red carpet is yours someday and that you celebrate many many more birthdays! We love you Princess, Happy Birthday!

Just in.....

A Snake!

A few minutes ago we heard the robins in our apple tree start 'screaming' and flying around like crazy. I sent Quayde out to see what was going on and he quickly came back in with the report.

A snake was trying to get up to get their nest. Now I took a few pictures to try to get one clear and he was in a striking pose for all those blurred ones. Then I got this one as he started down the railing. I got the broom to get him off the porch but to no avail he was really determined to stay on the porch so I gave up.

Thayne is being weird saying he is going to eat the snake. We are discouraging him at this point.

And so it begins!

May is known as birthday month around here. You see once upon a time I thought it would be a great idea to get pregnant in August and have my babies in May and skip all the hot summer months. What I did not count on was the serious cash outlay having all these birthdays in one month would be. Now Thayne was due in May but his birthday is in June and Quayde ....well sometimes I think Quayde was immaculate conception because his birthday is in January. Poor Quayde , so for years we also did an unbirthday celebration for him. He says he is old enough this year not to need one.

So with no further adieu.....

Happy 18th Birthday

Chaiya!!!

On May 10th 1991, Chaiya was welcomed into this world at home in my bedroom. My first , awesome VBAC birth! Her homebirth helped fulfill my dreams. I was already teaching and attending births and she tagged along in the sling at just a few weeks old. Her name is Hebrew for life. What an amazing person she has become.

We started our celebration with razzleberry pie and ice cream. Can you see that we gave her a case of diapers? NO.... just kidding but we did tease her. It was this really cool throw pillow from IKEA.

Thayne is here trying to 'help' her open up the chocolates that he picked out for her. I think he probably ate half of them also. Chaiya is a good sport.

I think her favorite gift was this one. I had thought long and hard about what gifts I could make for her that she would love. This 18 year old loved the little wood figure I made but this one topped the cake. I took her blog from the last two years and went to this site and had it made into a e-book that I could download and print. She was so shocked and happy. She even cried! I wanted her to have that part of her life as a journal. I was up until 1:30 am doing it so she wouldn't know ahead of time. If you look at the words on the chalk board behind her 'birthday' is spelled wrong, I obviously can't spell at that hour. We decided to leave it like that because it made us laugh so hard when we noticed hours later.

Happy birthday my strong, independent girl! You are awesome and beautiful in ALL ways. I have been so blessed to be your mum. I hope this year is really full of all the incredible things that makes this life so wonderful. I love you!

Rock on!

Today Lydia received an awesome surprise! She has not fully recovered and has been on oxygen for the last week so she hasn't had any fun....(her words)

Lydia's sweet penpal Kayla sent her the best gift today.

STORY STONES!!!!!

Although when Quayde got the mail , he was quite confused and was trying to guess what it was.

These adorable rocks were made with love. You take them and use the pictures as elements in a story. I have a feeling these are going to be treasured elements for her. I secretly want to steal the mushroom one for me. hehehe

All grown up

Last night Chaiya went with a friend to Tri-City Prep's high school prom. They had a fantastic dinner and dance at St. Michael's hotel down town then on to an after party at the bowling ally.

She made this incredible necklace and earrings for herself and a set for Lynsie. Lynsie's was more white with just a few red beads. This morning she said she thinks that the whole prom thing is highly overrated.

I am thinking now that she has her first 'little black dress' there is no stopping her. Watch out world here comes Chaiya!

military wife

Michael proposed to me when I was 19. I told him at the time that I would have to "get back with him on that". So it took a long time..... we finally got our act together when I was 36.
The USAF took him everywhere. He has dined on delicacies in countries that I never had heard of. Massages in Thailand, beaches in Japan, tents in Saudi, pubs in England and Germany; he traveled on TDY's for most of his Air Force career. When he left the states for overseas duty in 1987, he did not come back until 2003. Travel is in his blood.
I realized this morning, as I watched him walk away through the rear view mirror, I would have made a crappy military wife.
The hollow feeling in my stomach and the tear sliding down my cheek are total indications that I would have not survived him being gone so often. He is my complete soul mate.
Michael will only be gone for a week. His mom and family back in Ohio need him to be there because of another death in the family. I am content to share but it was sure hard to watch his baggy pants walk away.

Comfort food

photo credit: FoodTV

Everyone has a comfort food right? Mine is turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy. I think it all stems from my elementary school lunch room. There are a few lunches that I remember. Which when I think about it; that is pretty scary. I ate in that room for 9 1/2 years of my life and I can only remember a few lunches. (The other 1/2 year we lived in Arkansas)

Mrs. Moore made homemade rolls for our lunches. These were to die for and my mom got her recipe if I remember correctly. My mom makes the best rolls in the universe!

Other than the turkey and gravy there was the peanut butter on french bread and applesauce with lettuce. Yep that is about it. All I can remember.

Now the applesauce and the lettuce I mixed together and everyone at my table thought it was gross! They never ate theirs which means I could talk them out of their applesauce and lettuce every time. I would gladly take and enjoy!

When Lydia was in NICU for 3 months, I would head down to the hospital cafeteria for mashed potatoes and gravy when I was really stressed. Even they couldn't really screw that up.

So tonight I caught myself craving it again. Lydia is quite ill right now. Sometimes it comes on really fast. I had to cancel her surgery that was scheduled for Thursday. Why can't I crave something super decadent? Something chocolate, carmel, pecan..........

Do you have a comfort food?

Lydia's Baptism

Last night our friends and family gathered together to witness Lydia's choice to follow Jesus and be baptized. I was so overwhelmed by how many people came together in a tiny room to share in this part of our lives.

Lydia has been attending every single one of the primary kids' baptisms for the last year and a half. She had some very very specific requests of what she wanted. One of them was a dvd montage of her life to be played while she got dressed. I had been working three days straight on this and I finally finished it at 1:00am yesterday. It turned out to be about 14 minutes long and had 197 pictures in it. If you would like a copy please let me know and we will send them out. Alaska family -I am sending one up there!

I am so very grateful that our homeschool friends were able to come and share this day with us! It meant a lot to us see everyone there.

It took some doing to prepare Lydia because of her trach tube. She has a soft cleft palate that has been repaired but is still quite open so we had to take that into consideration also. I placed medical tape all around the tube to tape it to her neck and then we put duct tape on a mini-vent. We had special ear plugs too. I had the oxygen and suction machine at the side of the font. One problem we didn't count on was that the water was freezing!

Lydia's last primary teacher Sis. Melissa Webb gave the talk on baptism. Michael baptized her and I immediately suctioned and gave her oxygen. It took a few minutes to make sure she was okay because she was so cold. Everyone was able to watch the dvd while she got dressed. I was glad it was long because it took a little while to get her trach stuff changed and make sure she was okay. Chaiya gave a great talk on the Holy Spirit. Everyone was asked to fill out cards with their testimonies or a message for Lydia. When we got home we were able to share those sweet thoughts together.
Afterward we had refreshments with all our friends. Lydia wanted cake to served. So we made her a special vegan cake and then had carrot cake from Costco. Sweet Sis. Peterson brought brownies and chocolate chip cookies. I also made our favorite oatmeal ones. The Sprite exploded all over as I was trying to get it into the punch so I spent the rest of the evening very wet and sticky. Lots of fun!!Lydia was so happy. When we got home I was lifting her out of the van and mentioned that her hair still smelled so good. She laughed and said it was because of the baptism water. This morning she says her legs are all shiny because of the water too! She is such a blessing in our lives.