My Little Poet

Adelle wanted to be a part of the year end talent show at school.  She decided to write her own original poem.  We were all blown away with her little creation and she was chosen to read it in front of the entire school.  Here is her composition:

Stars

I look up in the black night sky and see the stars so bright.

I wonder what their names are, those glowing balls of light.

I wonder when they were born those beautiful lights above,

As I look at all the colors and see the stars I love.

I go back inside and my mom tells me it's time for bed,

And I think of all the things I've seen all inside my head. 

I'm so proud of my girl!  Maybe she'll write more stories and poems for us in the future :)

Rock Hounding

After my 5k run, Wes and Adelle decided they would go out into the wide world to go rock hounding.  Adelle had a rock collection project coming up at school and they used that as an opportunity to explore several BLM land sites.  Adelle has always loved rocks and being outdoors.  It was a little strange having them gone for most of the day, but I knew that they were having an amazing time.  They came home with quite a few rocks, including some really big ones that are now in my front garden.  I was so glad when they made it home safe and sound, dusty and dirty, having enjoyed daddy daughter time!

Running

I was working one day when an email came into my inbox.  My work was giving away free entries to a local 5K.  My coworker Lisa urged me to sign up for it with her.  I was already trying to get into better shape, but I wasn't sure if I could really prepare myself for a 5k in just a few months time.  At the time I was just working out on my stationary exercise bike.  With much anxiety I agreed.  I began training with a great MP3 5K training.  I absolutely loved it! There was something absolutely amazing to heading out early in the morning and running.  It made me feel alive!  I enjoyed it so much I urged Wes for Mother's Day to get me some expensive running shoes!  I was in love. 

I was so passionate about running that I decided to try and win and entry into the St. George Marathon.  For the entry I wrote this:

At age 30 I became an orphan, or that is what my children called me. I lost both of my parents within 7 years of each other. I lost my mother in 2003 when she lost her battle with depression and took her own life. My mother in her peak days was an amazing runner and ran the St. George Marathon several times. I remember her coming over the finish line after her long grueling race and I was so proud of her. Her medals are so precious to me as is the running t-shirt quilt on my bed. She is one of the reasons I run. When I am running in the morning as the sun is rising and the birds are singing I somehow feel closer to her. I feel her watching over me.

My father died in 2010 from a heart attack at the young age of 59. His father died at age 54 from a heart attack as well. It was such a crushing blow to have my dear father gone. He was such an inspirational man to me. He loved to play music and help others. He always had a love for planes and trains and even for a time had his private pilot license. As I’m running and the little planes are flying overhead my heart swells as I imagine him flying in one looking down on me. As I race I feel my heart beating strong and I hope it will continue to for many years to come.

I run to be healthy, to beat the odds, so my own children will not become parentless too soon. I run to honor my parents. I run so that I will someday be able to see all of my children grow and to become parents themselves. I want to be a grandmother and hold little hands. I want to grow old and see the world change. I want to be strong!   

The day of the race came and I was so nervous and excited!  I had to be in Lehi pretty early so I left my family snug in their beds.  Lisa and I met at the race.  It was so good to have someone that I knew there.  In honor of my parents I wore a red ribbon for my dad (heart disease) and yellow for my mom (suicide prevention).  I had loaded up my MP3 player with music that was inspiring uniquely to me, including a song that my father had written for me when I was a child.    I gave it my all on my little run and I was so proud of my time when I was done.  I finished in 30 minutes and 23 seconds, which ended up being just a little less than a 10 minute mile. 

Finishing a 5K inspired me to reach even higher.  I wanted to run a 10K!  The Saturday before Memorial Day I set out on a training run.  I decided to go on the canal road despite the gravel.  It was a peaceful little trail complete with little duck families.  To my great astonishment I ended up running 5 miles. I noticed later in the day though something odd.  As I came up the stairs my right ankle was clicking.  It was a little unnerving, but I ignored it.  Memorial Day morning I set out again on the canal road.  Right away I had a fair amount of pain in my ankles.  I kept going thinking that as I warmed up I would feel better.  It didn't though.  I paused to tighten my laces thinking that might help, but to no avail.  I set off back home discouraged. 

A week went by and my ankles were still bothering me, especially my right one.  I made an appointment with a doctor and found out that I had peroneal tendonitis.  I needed orthotics and physical therapy.  Weeks and months went by.  I wore the orthotics and went to physical therapy.  The pain lessened, but my ankle still clicked and I couldn't run. 

Every race that would come to my attention really tugged at me at first.  I was devastated and discouraged.  I wished my silly human body would cooperate.  As time went by the longing lessened some and instead I tried to focus on other things. 

To this day my ankle still clicks, but the pain is gone most of the time.  I am still nervous to go out an run again for fear that I will be hurt again.  I have tried in little spurts, but always back back down when I feel discomfort.  Maybe some day I will be back there again, hitting the pavement.  I was in such great shape and felt so good.  Only time will tell. 

The End of 7th Grade

Junior High has been such a new experience for out little family this year, especially for Lydia.  It was overwhelming at times to have so many different classes and the extracurricular activities. Overall things went well and we all learned a lot! We ended the year with a few events; the Science Fair and the Orchestra Concert. 

Lydia chose an interesting science fair project.  She wanted to find out if you get more dizzy if your eyes are open or closed while spinning.  She enlisted all of us and made us endure spin after spin on my office chair.  Everyone seemed to handle it pretty well except myself.  I had to rest on the couch after the ordeal for a little while until I felt normal again.  It made me feel old for sure!  She determined that you actually get more dizzy with your eyes closed.  Good to know!

 After the science fair we had the opportunity to listen to Lydia perform in the orchestra concert.  She even did a little solo!  I'm so proud of my girl!  I'm so glad she has continued to play the violin.   

 I bought the violin years ago when I had a sudden passion to learn to play a musical instrument.  I thought for sure I would be able to teach myself.  I don't know what I was thinking!

I am grateful to see it in the hands of my beautiful daughter. 

Chickens grow oh so Fast!

I have never seen anything transform right before my eyes, but that is what it felt like the chickens were doing.  They didn't stay fluff balls for long.  They soon started to get grown up feathers and to stretch out in all directions!  In just a few weeks they were already so different.  They loved picking and playing in my planter box.  

 It was amazing how much instinct they already had as well.  They began dust bathing right away and scratching for bugs. 

 They are so entertaining to watch!

 With the rapid growth Wes didn't waste much time before diving into his new construction project, and let's face it the prospect of working with wood and tools was really why I was allowed to get chickens. 

He created his own design and bought new tools at a rapid pace.  It took a HUGE amount of his time for several months.  The chickens needed a place to live and he knew it would need to be sooner than later. 

Adelle's Very Special Day!

Eight is a very special age in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  It is the age you can be baptized.  Baptism is taken very seriously at our house.  We don't assume it is something that is just going to happen.  Every child is given the choice and told to to seriously consider if they want to be baptized and if they are ready.

Adelle wanted with all her heart to get baptized.  She was so very excited.  She called Grandpa on the phone and asked if he would baptize her.  He was very happy and agreed right away.  The day was set, family was invited, and I was even asked to give a talk on the Holy Ghost at the baptism.

My sweet little Adelle was so precious!  She wore the same beautiful dress that Lydia wore on her baptism day.  The actual baptism went smoothly.  Violet cried after it was over because she wanted to be baptized in the water too.  After Adelle was all dressed we went to the primary room where she was given the gift of the Holy Ghost.  The Bishop then shared his testimony and invited anyone else who would like to share their testimony as well.  What a wonderful experience.  Several strong and amazing women in the family shared their testimonies with us.  It reminded me that I am not alone in my beliefs and that there are many that can buoy and strengthen me.  I am so proud of my Adelle and the choice she made!  It was a day I will never forget. 

Got Chicks?

 Something CRAZY happened the week of Adelle's birthday.  The community classes magazine came in the mail one day.  I love flipping through the catalogue and imagining taking a unique class.  Something so out of the ordinary and fun.  I came across a chicken raising class and mentioned it to Wes in passing.  I didn't actually believe I'd get chickens, because he is not an animal person.  We have been outlawed from getting any other pets except our cat. 

He was supportive of the chicken idea and he started getting excited. Not for chickens mind you, but for a construction project because they would need some place to live. I decided instead of talking a class all the way in Tooele that I would get my hand on every book the library had on chickens. I spent all of my Friday afternoon reading all about chickens and how to raise them for eggs!  I had quaint visions of going out every morning, greeting my chickens and gathering eggs, while my feathered pets cooed around my ankles.  I probably was in rubber boots and wearing an apron in this vision, but I'm not telling.


 We even helped Wes clean out the garage.  It was already a project he had going, but we all pitched in to move things along.  Our little chicks would have to live somewhere warm until the weather warmed.  I read that it is best to start with chicks so you can raise them to be loving and friendly to people.  Once the garage was clean Lydia, Adelle and I packed ourselves into the car and we drove to the local farm store.  It was chick season thank heavens so there were a lot of choices. 

Choosing a breed was somewhat difficult.  We wanted chickens that would be friendly, cold hardy, and good egg producers.  We settled on two buff orpingtons and two easter eggers.  They were so small, just little fluff balls really.  We carefully brought them home to their Tupperware tote that was already set with their wood chips, heat lamp, food and water. 

Thus began the process of keeping the chicks healthy and happy.  Chicks are a lot of work.  They can't get too cold or too hot, and if you want friendly chickens you need to hold them once a day.  The girls were a help, but I was usually the one hopping out day and night to check that their temps were okay. 

Wes suggested we not name them since there was no guarantee that they were all girls.  Any boys would have to be given away because not only did I not want a rooster they are forbidden in our neighborhood.  It didn't stop the girls and I from choosing our own chicks and loving them as best we could. 

Chicks grow super fast and it wasn't long before their feathers began coming in.  We had a lot to learn ahead of us, and Wes a lot of building!