We are on an epic road trip through northern California with a pop-up trailer. Paige is settled in Manhattan. Richard has seen both coasts this week. It’s a new time for all of us, and the person I see in the mirror and photos seems different. It could be new experiences, age, cares, and possibly the camping hair.
Most of us will never know what it is like to lead the class procession at graduation and give the valedictory speech, but I can say that being Daniel’s mother this evening felt pretty great. I felt distant among all the conversations and congratulations with friends, I think because I was busy finding dedicated places in my heart for all that this evening meant to me. Now, late at night, I am going through pictures, alternately smiling to myself and drying tears.
Tonight was one of the last nights it will be possible to have all of our children together for a few years. Paige left for New York tonight, accompanied by Richard, and she’ll come back just in time to say goodbye to Daniel before he leaves on his mission.
On my shelf in the kitchen, I just placed a sign that says “Gather,” but I keep thinking that the more fitting word for us this summer is “Fly.”
The count:
Frisbee Tournaments: 2
Concerts: 7
Awards ceremonies: 2
Trees lost: 2
Trees planted: 3
Cousins entertained: 3
Seminary graduation: 1
Plane tickets: 2
Days left until Paige leaves for NYC and Daniel Graduates: 1
I am able to keep windows open all day lately, and the sounds of the breeze swirling our great cottonwood trees and the fresh air somehow dispel the busy feelings and replace them with grateful feelings. Consistently, I feel grateful for trees and green and warmer air.
May 7-13
May 14-20
Richard and I had plans to go to Timothy’s jazz band dinner dance this week, but I was sick and had to miss it. Mark went in my place. I really missed out on a great evening! Timothy was able to play with some seasoned jazz musicians and play some of my favorite big band music. He is the trombone player on the second row in the video.
Today is Mark’s 12th birthday. I am happy for him, and a little sad for me. This week he displayed some work in an art show, played trumpet in a band concert, and sang in a choir concert. I couldn’t get a good photo of him in the back of the band. However, I bet you can spot him easily in the choir. He is ambivalent about the choir experience for many reasons, one being his section.
It’s the Fathers and Sons campout tonight, so we will celebrate Mark tomorrow night with all the good things.
Each day but one this week Daniel or Timothy took AP tests. I tried to warn them, but they took the classes and tests anyway. 😉
Paige was accepted into the Illustration BFA program at BYU and things are moving forward with her internship in New York this summer.
Mark was awarded three ranks in Scouting. He achieved the rank of First Class, just in time to turn twelve.
Paige and I drove to Cedar City for lunch with Richard’s female relatives to celebrate his mom’s birthday. I didn’t capture everyone in this picture. With so many schedules it was amazing that so many could make it.
Dessert in Beaver
Daniel learned he is Valedictorian of his class and received the Heritage scholarship at BYU.
Not pictured: Timothy in his tux playing at the State Band competition, winning Frisbee points at the tournament on Saturday, and the electric guitar he is making in his woods class.
Richard and I celebrated our 23rd anniversary.
Not every week is a harvest, and I am thankful when one comes along.
I am in California this week with my mom, sitting with my grandmother. This means many pleasant things, including some time to stitch.
Does Easter sneak up on you? I have been meaning to update our Easter scripture activity for years, but I am surprised every year, so I don’t get it done. This year, even though I have two adult age children, I finally did it. I wanted more of a Holy Week activity, with readings about the Savior’s actions and teachings during the last week, not just Gethsemane and the Crucifixion. I found a good LDS podcast which educated and inspired me to do more to commemorate the week and looked up several reading lists for Holy Week to help me narrow down which Bible passages to use. In the end, my favorite additions are the alabaster vial with a reading about the anointing woman and some doves for the reading about the cleansing of the temple. Instead of an empty egg representing the empty tomb, I have small Christus in the final egg. He is tangible and present, and not a missing person.
Here is a list of the readings I chose. I typed out the passages, printed, and folded them into numbered eggs along with these small objects. This year, we will read them all in one or two sittings. In the coming years, I hope to do two readings a day in the week leading up to Easter.
10:30 pm Sunday night. I am recovering well from a hand laceration. Richard still has no energy after the flu. The boys play trumpet and piano while we rest.
Last Sunday Timothy gave a talk in church with 30 minutes to prepare. He did so well!
Timothy and Mark played in a piano recital on Tuesday night.
It was a good week to be a parent.
Daniel advanced to a regional level in the Sterling scholar competition.
Daniel was named a National Merit Finalist.
Paige began work towards a summer internship in New York.
I finished hand-quilting my international doll quilt. I will finish the binding some other day.
Richard and I watched the John Adams miniseries, except when my eyes were closed during the violence and 18th century surgeries.
We watched Wonder. Tears streamed freely for me.
I can’t type this week as my hand heals, so this is it for a while.