Yes, Master Yoda

I always tell Micah that he is a little old man in a child's body.  For whatever reason, this boy just understands.  He understands the big grown up questions, and sometimes things I can't believe. Most of all, he reads my emotions and comforts me.  He's been like this since he was a year old.  When I'm sitting quietly by myself and sad, he will come over and pat my back and say something positive to me.  He often says "I don't know what I would do without you" or "I like to get up early in the morning to spend time with you, Mom."  Be still my heart! 

Micah also says funny things like when I ask him how he deals with two older brothers, who sometimes do not get along.  "Oh, I just sit back and watch the show."  And of course, the one I posted on Facebook from President's Day this year.  I had been explaining what the holiday means and he blurted out "I can't wait until we have a woman President.  The guys keep making loopy decisions!"

All of this brings me to the reason for this post.  As a writer, I'm always searching for just the right figurative language.  Micah and I were driving in our van today, just the two of us.  Micah wanted to explain to me about his brother Carson's attitude lately.  He blew my mind with this little gem.  "Carson is like that cool rock that you see in the dirt.  The more you try to pull it out of the ground, the more you realize how huge it is."

I think I will call him Yoda.

Believing

I had a quote on my mirror a few years ago.  It said simply "Miracles Happen to Those Who Believe in Them."   I loved it, and I read it everyday. 

I'm a believer.  I believe in God.  Because of that, I know that many things are possible in life.  I've learned not to doubt the unexplained and the things I can't see or remember.  The heavens are forever, and much exists underneath them. 

I've tried to teach my children to be searchers, seekers, observers, and to keep an open mind about people and things.  How much more beautiful the world is when we take the time to look.  When we notice the small things, and wonder about them.  When we see God in everything around us. 

Of course, this belief has led to children who watch "Finding Bigfoot" and "UFO Hunters."  However, it has also led to children who watch "Secrets at the Museum" and every history and educational show they can watch.  When we go to the canyon, they notice the blue bird who always follows us, and the immense beauty of our mountains.

There is a contemporary poet who wrote that God has been hiding since the bible times.  I say, God has not been hiding.  This writer has not been looking.  There are miracles in my life every single day, and in the lives of people around me. 

Yes, I'm a believer.  And I'm so glad.

Sunshine in our souls

Even though you can't tell by this photo, the sun was out and it was so beautiful today.  I was in the van before they could finish asking if we could go to the mountains.  Sure, there was snow on the ground, and Dakota forgot to bring a jacket, but we enjoyed our walk anyway.  Love these days with my boys!  P.S. Carson was hiding from the camera.

Katie moves

My best friend in the whole world has moved 4 hours away.  It happened over the weekend, and I cried about it like a little kid.  She will be quick to point out, when she reads this, that she cried when I moved away to Minnesota for a couple of years.  That is, however, beside the point in my moment of self-pity about this.

Katie and I have been friends since we were four years old.  We are like sisters.  Family to each other forever.  We share memories and loved ones.  My kids always say to me, "You sound like Katie when you say that."  Well, that will happen after this many years together.

I am truly happy for Katie and her husband Scott, and the beautiful dream home they have built in Kanab.  I plan to go and visit them often in the land of the red rocks.  And yes, we still have phones.  We can call each other often, and we will. 

But for now, I will just feel sad for awhile.  Then I'll plan a trip :)

My Unconventional Days

The Winter has been long here.  Haze has clung in the air and over all the beauty of the snow.  I like to look out the window and imagine.  Yes, I am holding on.  Waiting for Spring, for rainbows, and for signs of life from the ground.   Needing the rain to come and wash the sad away.

Carson becomes a teenager

My second child is now a teenager.  We celebrated Carson's birthday on Feb. 9th (the Saturday before his birthday, which is the 11th).  We bowled and ate pizza at Fat Cat's.  In the evening, we had cake at home and went out to dinner.  I am proud of Carson.  He is strong and has overcome so much. 

Carson has wanted some cowboy boots.  We took a trip to Ream's for his birthday present.  You should see him wearing them with his pajamas.  Yes, he does.  Micah got another late birthday present in the form of a belt buckle.

Sooo behind!

I am so behind in my posts.  I haven't even posted Christmas pics yet.  So, here is a quick run-down of our bigger events, followed by a little collage of photos.

Our holidays were quiet and at home this year.  We enjoyed the time together.

I started my new job at UVRMC in the hospital billing dept right after Thanksgiving. Three weeks of training in Salt Lake meant long and grueling days, but lots of overtime. 

I quit my job at the library just before Christmas.  A very difficult thing for me.

And then . . . well let's just get to the photos.

We had a Hobbit party at our house on the Saturday before the premiere of the movie.  It lasted four hours and we had lots of food, friends, and a movie.  It was fun for all, and I enjoyed hosting and having friends over.  A few days later, we went to the very first midnight premier of "The Hobbit" with a bunch of my library friends.  Katie came along too.  Dakota, Carson, and Micah had a great time. There was a lot of energy and fun, and a lot of caffeine needed to get us through.

Christmas was a great time.  Dakota refused to have his picture taken.  Don't worry, he was here. 

Carson received the brand new vinyl record player he has been wanting all year.  Look at that face!  He can begin to listen to his vinyl collection now.

Micah got his ipod.  He's a little excited, as well.