Back to School

I love back to school. I remember how excited I was and I could never sleep the night before. I loved going shopping for new clothes and school supplies. I loved labeling my things and getting everything organized in piles and then placing them neatly in my backpack. I loved laying out my first day of school outfit the night before. I loved waking up extra early on the first day and making sure my hair and outfit was just right so I would "look cute". I loved the butterflies in my stomach and how I just couldn't eat breakfast because I was so excited. Now I get to re-live those days with my children . . . at least I thought.

We got through the shopping of new clothes and school supplies. We got through the labeling and organizing. We got through the laying out of the new outfit. We got through the sneaking into each other's rooms when they were supposed to be asleep and whispering how excited they were to go to school. We got through the "early" morning looking just right and swallowing a couple of bites before pushing the plate away and running upstairs to brush teeth and get on shoes. We took pictures and loaded into the car. We were going through the first day of school with flying colors. We even made it to the playground on time for them to stand on the dot with their class number and participate in "Morning Muster" (they do the pledge of allegiance, a moment of silence, and announcements outside before walking into school).

Clark was settled and although looking a little nervous, he bravely waved good-bye and said, "I love you, Mom. See you this afternoon!" Now Katelyn, on the other hand, started the tears the instant her class started walking into the building. I couldn't believe it! She was the most excited and couldn't wait to meet some new friends. She hung onto me for dear life and begged me to "home-school" her. When I told her no (Mean Mom!) she asked me to stay with her at her desk all day and Carlee and Jake could just watch. I gently pushed her into her seat and walked away. She came running after me with tears just streaming down her face. I was trying to be firm telling her how much fun she would have and that she would find some great friends like she did last year. She was still crying but luckily, her teacher came out and helped her into the room after I promised over and over that I would be there to pick her up right at 3:20. I sneaked away after taking a quick peek to make sure the tears were over and headed back to start my day with 2 less children. Whew!

Just in case you are wondering, they both had a great day and met some new friends. This transition has been a little tough on my sweethearts and they have struggled a bit but they are getting through it. It can only get better. Life in the military . . . hmmmm.

More 4-year-old Logic

Friday night the kids and I were discussing the extracurricular activities they might be interested in this year and I was looking over the classes and sports available through the community recreation center. I was throwing out suggestions and the kids were choosing their favorites. I suggested karate to Jake and this was his reply:

"I love soccer, Mom!"

"Remember last time though, Jake? You just ran across the field and dilly-dallied without listening to the coach."

"But I won't dilly anymore. I'll be a good listener and make good choices this time!"

"How about trying a karate class? You'd be great at that and you've never done it before."

"No! I don't want to do that!"

"Why not?"

"Because . . . (tears welling up in his eyes) Because I can't hit and break the wood! It hurts my hand. Me and Clarky tried in our garage in San Antonio before we moved and I couldn't do it!"

So I guess Jake is still deciding what he is interested in but as far as the others, we are set!

A Visit from the "Cousins"

Last weekend we got a visit from our TX cousins. Charlie and JaNay lived in San Antonio with us for 4 years before moving to El Paso and our kids loved playing together, having sleepovers, hanging out during birthdays, and just getting to know each other really well. They had been in Utah for a couple of weeks and decided to take a minor detour through Las Vegas on the way back home.

We were so excited for their visit, although it was a quick one. They got here on Friday evening and left Sunday morning. We played in the pool, stayed up late, and visited the Strip for the first time in about 10 years. Joe and I had driven through it twice but never got out for a stop. Unfortunately since we had only been here about 2 weeks we weren't that "strip savvy". We will get better with that so when future visitors come, we'll know what and where the restaurants are and which casinos to visit with the best entertainment. We had a good time anyway checking out the water show at the Bellagio, the moving statues in Caesar's Palace, and M&M World at MGM Grand, and eating at Outback. All in all, the kids just had a blast swimming and playing together. Thanks Stuart cousins, Aunt JaNay, and Grandpa for a fun weekend!

Tribute to my Grandmother

Ethel Bates Holt

April 20, 1910 - July 20, 2008

Grandma had 98 years of experiences and what an incredible life she led. She was born in April of 1910, graduated high school in 1929, and married her sweetheart in December of 1930. They had 5 children--4 girls and 1 boy, my dad. Grandpa passed away 21 years ago and Grandma has anxiously been waiting to be with him again. Their joyous reunion happened on July 20, 2008 and I am so grateful that I got to see her a few more times before she passed. She was such a sweet and gracious grandmother and I have so many fond memories of her. My sister, Stephanie, was asked to give a talk at the funeral and did an amazing job. This is the tribute she gave that best explains what she means to us and the memories that we have of her . . .

Of all the remembrances, I have reflected most on Grandma's hands.

They were hands that could do all the important things, that made Grandma, Grandma. Grandma's hands were soft and gentle, constantly moving to take care of anyone close to her. Grandma's hands pulled us close as she whispered how much she cared for each of us, how she loved us all, how beautiful she thought we were, and how much she appreciated our visits.

From cooking to cleaning to sewing and crocheting, from passing out cookies and candies to preparing a meal for each visitor, no matter what time you came to visit. Hers were busy hands, that were a part of her, and became a part of me, of my memory for her. Those loving hands could sneak a treat into our hands, because that is what Grandma did. Grandma had that unique way of making each of us feel special, as if we were getting away with something, something that only Grandma and we were to know.

I remember hands as they helped us climb upon her lap, then covered us grandchildren with snuggles and kisses. I watched those same loving hands help my children, her great grandchildren, climb upon the same caring lap. It helped me to understand the unconditional love and attention that Grandma showed to all her family. Her hands moved freely when crocheting an afghan, a treasure I will always hold dear. I carried mine as a child, and now wrap her beautiful talent around my babies. My afghan is now worn, tattered, stained and faded, but just as precious as it has always been. What a gift, what a wonderful gift I have further received to give my children their own afghan from Great Grandma Holt, when they can fully appreciate the value and heritage it represents.

A life of longevity, spirit, love, and busy hands that will continue though all eternity. Those are the things that I remember. Those are remembrances that enhance my faith and testimony. For I know, that Grandma was happy as long as those hands were useful. They gave purpose and fulfillment of her love to her family. When her hands gave way to not being able to do for others, Grandma gave way. You see, Grandma will always be with us, because we will see Grandma's hands as she stood in the doorway, waving goodbye until we couldn't be seen anymore. Even when we were unsure if her eyesight could still distinguish us as as we would be leaving, we knew that Grandma was still looking after us, and still waving those wonderful hands.

Utah Trip

Every summer we try to make it to Utah to spend some time with our extended families. Lucky for us, both sides of our family live about an hour apart and with our move this summer we were able to spend a week with each. The first week was spent with the Stuarts and we arrived on Saturday July 12th.

Sunday we went to church and then Joe and I visited my grandmother in Layton. She is 98 years old and wasn't doing too well the last couple of weeks. She wasn't sick but getting old and unfortunately her body was starting to shut down. The day that we were cleaning our house to leave San Antonio I got the call that she was struggling and going fast. As I was vacuuming and crying, I was also hoping that she would hold on for us to get to Utah. That Sunday she recognized and talked with us but she wasn't the same. Grandma has always been quick as a whip with a very sharp mind. She has an amazing memory. This day she was floating in and out mumbling about different life experiences and acting very fidgety. It was very difficult for me to see her like that. After visiting with her for a while, we went to Justin and Marci's new house and played with them for a while.

On Monday evening, everybody came over and we had a pizza party and the kids played outside in the irrigation water. The kids had a blast chasing each other around, eating popsicles, and trying to get wet.

Tuesday morning was spent riding horses and the four-wheeler. Katelyn loves to ride Grandpa's horses and someday wants to be a rodeo queen. She is very confident when she rides and isn't scared at all. She actually does a pretty good job at guiding the horses and taking care of them. Grandpa even took her to Smith and Edwards to get her some cowgirl boots and she was very excited about that. Joe took the kids riding on the four-wheeler back and forth to the barn. They would scream and laugh. Jake wanted to drive it himself and would push the gas as far as it would go and laugh uncontrollably. I hope this isn't indicative of what is to come. Clark spent the night with his cousins, John and Zach, and would go with them every morning to golf lessons. He really enjoyed it and wants to take lessons himself.

Wednesday, Joe flew to Chicago to take his written board exam. That afternoon, we all met at Shelly's in Kaysville and tried to make it to Cherry Hill Water Park but due to a company party making it extremely busy, we headed to the Farmington pool and had a blast splashing on the splash pad, getting swimming lessons and contests from Aunt Shelly, sliding down the slides, jumping off the diving boards and having fun in the sun.

Thursday, Grandpa took the boys, Clark, John, and Zach, hiking up to the B on the mountain. Clark was really excited for this. He did this last summer and wanted to do it again. Katelyn and McKell had a Tea Party with Grandma. When my in-laws were on their mission in Nauvoo, they picked up this cute little porcelain tea set. Grandma wanted to have a little tea party with her granddaughters when they would come visit. The girls spent the morning making sandwiches and cutting shapes out of them with cookie cutters. They then poured lemonade into the tea cups and we sat around the coffee table for our tea party. The girls loved it and Grandma was the server in her apron. The kids just enjoyed playing and visiting with their cousins and grandparents.

On Friday we all got up and headed down to Fashion Place Mall for the Nordstrom Sale. I took the kids on a tour of the mall because I used to work there in high school. Unfortunately, the stores I worked at (Arby's and 5-7-9) are no longer there and the mall is completely changed so the tour wasn't that exciting. But we had a great lunch with Grandma and Grandpa and then they headed up north to work in the temple and I headed south to spend the next week with my side of the family.

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Our second week in Utah was also a great one filled with many activities. Saturday was spent at the Young Living Family Farm. This is a farm south of Spanish Fork and they are known for their Lavender Fields. Unfortunately Lavender Days was over but we had a great time with the farm all to ourselves. There were antique wagons, a wild west town, Indian village, medieval castle, and a nice little river. During the festival they run paddle boats, have jousting, and lots of fun activities. We had a great time just running around and being noisy. Afterwards, we stopped at "The Red Barn" for some homemade ice cream and treats. YUMMY!

Sunday we drove back up to visit great-Grandma Holt. This Sunday, she was very unresponsive and we didn't stay long. She looked very peaceful and comfortable but didn't recognize or acknowledge our visit. That evening at 11:00 p.m., we got the call that she had passed away. She was an incredibly strong woman who was a great example and although we will miss her, she is reunited with her husband, daughter, and other family members and we look forward to seeing her again.

On Monday we went to my sister's house and the kids played in the sprinklers, ran the Slip'n'Slide, and jumped into the inflatable pool. We also tried our hand at RockBand and decided to start our own sister band. If only we didn't laugh so hard, we might be pretty good.

Tuesday we went to Seven Peaks Water Park. It was a lot of fun. My kids are actually a little timid in the water so the lazy river was the hit. The small slides were just perfect and Clark was going to try some big ones with Aunt Jenn and Uncle Kyle but wimped out at the last minute. After he heard that Tyler (3 yrs. old) went with his dad, he decided we definitely need to go again so that he can "do the big slides". Later that evening, Joe got to my parents' house from San Antonio. After taking his boards on Friday, he caught a flight to San Antonio Saturday. He spent the weekend there with friends, signed out officially on Monday morning and started the drive in his car back to Utah. With my grandmother's passing, Joe came back up instead of waiting for us in Las Vegas. I was excited to see him again and so was my family. It was the first time in over 2 years that he was able to spend time with my side of the family in Utah. And with Jim and Steph visiting also from St. George, it was the first time in over 2 years that Joe and Jim got to hang out.

On Wednesday, we hit the new IKEA in Draper. We fell in love with IKEA when we lived in Maryland and would make the 45 minute drive to Virginia to shop there. During our first few years in San Antonio, the closest one was in Houston so we would do a day trip just to visit there. A couple of years ago, IKEA was built just north of Austin so we would drive the 1.5 hours and stop at the best outlets in the nation on the way up or back. Needless to say we love IKEA and our kids love to check in and play while we shop. We always load up on Swedish meatballs and lingonberry juice. We picked up some furniture for Carlee and a few odds and ends and headed back to my parents to pack our overnight bag. My dad had reserved rooms for all of us at the Little America Grand Hotel so that we could join in the Days of '47 celebration on Thursday. I was so excited for this. I wanted to take my kids to the parade and my dad surprised us with the room reservations. It has been probably 20 years since I've seen this parade and I remember it well as a kid. We checked into the hotel and then went out to dinner as a family at Macaroni Grill. We then went back and swam in the pool for a while to tire out the kids for a good night's rest and an early morning.

Pioneer Day came early with Jim, Dad, and Joe saving great seats for the parade. The Days of '47 Parade is the 5th largest in the country and had some amazing floats. The parade runs about 3 hours and the kids loved it. I think the best part was the Salt Lake City Police Department. They put on a great show with their motorcycles doing tricks and driving patterns down State Street. After the parade we went to The Gateway for some lunch, shopping, and splashing in the splash park. The kids were all soaked, screaming and running through the water. Joe and Jim even had a great time trying to walk through to the other side without getting wet. Unfortunately some water went up Joe's shorts and got them both. We then headed to the rodeo. It was fun but the bull riders didn't fare too well. At least the nachos and ice cream were good. When it was over we drove back to Mom and Dad's where we lit fireworks and played games. The kid chased each other with sparklers and Carlee about blew up an entire box of fireworks with hers but we caught it just in time and enjoyed the show. We were all exhausted and crashed for the night.

Friday was Grandma Holt's funeral. It was a beautiful ceremony and my sister, Stephanie, gave an incredible tribute to her. There were a lot of tears but we know that all is well with her. We had lunch with our extended family and it was nice to catch up with cousins that I haven't seen in years.

On Saturday morning, we had family pictures taken. Again, it's been years since we have done that. Jacob was about 2 years old when we last got our pictures taken and it was about time. We went to a really cool spot in American Fork with an old barn, a junkyard full of antiques, a river with a rope swing, and a waterfall. The kids did fairly well but I haven't seen the pics yet so hopefully there are a few smiles from all of us at the same time. We then took our lunch to the park and played for a while before crashing on the couch for some much needed naps that lasted about 2-3 hours.

Sunday we went to church and packed up our cars for the next day's drive to our new home. Thank you to our families for 2 wonderful weeks full of fun memories and good times. We love you and are excited to live closer for many more.