The Mayor of Melwood is Dead

Wednesday, I received a call from Maureen telling me that Lucy was in the hospital barely holding on. She had gotten a bad flu which was giving her respiratory problems. The next day, I walked into room 366 wearing a required mask, gown, and gloves to visit my adopted mom/grandma. Lucy was sleeping amidst the noticeable struggle to breathe. I just sat beside her bedside, not wanting to wake her. Soon, her granddaughter joined me and Lucy opened her eyes. She smiled in recognition of us and conversed in between coughs and dosing off and on. Before I left, I was able to update her on all of the kids as she smiled like a proud grandma would. That was the last time I would get to talk to Lucy. The next day, she slipped into unconsciousness, returning home to God this morning. She will be missed. 

These 5 Words

Not a day goes by without me hearing these 5 sweet words whispered in my ear by Daveo:

"You're the best mommy ever!"

Needed Shade

This morning, before things started heating up outside, Steven helped me engineer a covering to provide shade for the patio. This has been a problem spot since moving in. An umbrella hasn't worked well because of all the wind we get. Next, I'm going to string lights under the "tent" to add some night ambiance. 

Just the Two of Us

 Thanks to Thavee, Deborah and I were able to escape the never ending hustle and bustle that comes with having 13 people in a home. We are girls, and more importantly sisters, so we of course spent some of our time at the mall to eat and do a bit of shopping. We finished off our freedom by taking a walk through the redwoods. It was so peaceful and we were able to stop and enjoy nature without being in "mom mode". (And we took silly selfies.)

"Is that Bigfoot?"

Aperature

The poppies and other wildflowers are beginning to bloom. The green hills are coming alive with bright colors. This provided me with the perfect subject matter to practice the aperture setting on my camera. One of my Christmas presents this last year, was an online photography class. It has taught me how to better use my camera and I'm having fun experimenting with my newfound knowledge.  

The Birthday Girl Heads to the Beach

My sweet Daveo was more excited for my birthday to arrive than I was. He's been reminding me for weeks now that on my birthday he would give me two things; a huge hug and Love Potion ice-cream. Daveo delivered on both promises. This year, I thought I'd take the kids to Pacifica (no surprise there) to explore areas they haven't been. We started off eating lunch at the famous Taco Bell on the beach located in Linda Mar. This particular Taco Bell has a deck where you can watch the waves and the dozens of surfers that frequent this beach. I originally planned on staying in this area of Pacifica. However, I changed those plans when I realized we were really close to the new tunnel that was dug to replace Devil's Slide. So, we popped back into the car and drove through the cool tunnel. On the other side, we pulled off the road to explore an abandoned bunker sitting on top of Devil's Slide looking as though it will slide off the cliff into the ocean. Growing up here, I had seen it many times but never thought to stop before. We had fun exploring the abandoned building and enjoying the views from so high a place. 

Next, I thought that while we were heading south on Highway 1, we might as well drive to Half Moon Bay to explore the tide pools. However, we never made it that far. A couple of miles into the drive a cute beach that I had never noticed before caught my attention; Gray Whale Cove State Beach. We decided to check it out. It was quite the hike down with lots of stairs to the cove, but well worth it. This would be our final destination for our day trip. A gentle stream of water flowed to the ocean and cliffs to climb on provided enough entertainment to last us the rest of the afternoon. The weather was overcast in the high 60's. The sun broke through the clouds the last hour we were there warming it up to the 70's. Daveo's favorite part of the trip was us building a "massive" sand castle. I love how he used the shells he had collected to decorate the walls of the castle. Loni enjoyed sliding down the sand banks and playing in the stream. I loved watching my children run joyously free without a care in the world. 

When we got home, David had Panda Express waiting for us to eat. I even heard from my two boys who are away from me. (James asked a member to text me a sweet birthday message.) 

Hello March

 For as long as I can remember I have always looked forward to the month of March. My pre-twenty years I counted down to the month because I couldn't wait for my birthday. However, now that I have stopped keeping track of my age, I enjoy this month for another reason. It ushers in spring; blossoms, warmth, new life, longer days, tulips, etc. Hands down the best month to be born in.

His Absence is Bearable

It was a year ago today that James opened up his missionary papers to learn that he was called to serve in the Des Moines, Iowa mission. I am so proud of his choice to serve the Lord. I'd like to share something he recently wrote to our family:

"One of the reasons I was hesitant about going on a mission was because I didn't know 100% that it would be the right thing. One thing I have grown to know and appreciate is that God doesn't leave you hanging! When you make an effort to choose the right and follow Him, He let's you KNOW! He removes any doubts that you have and fills you with joy and a desire to keep making good choices." 

I still miss him as much as I did the day he left, but reading about his spiritual growth and closeness to his Father in Heaven and Savior, makes his absence bearable.

I Wish I Could Take a Nap

 Jetlag is real and I am feeling it today. However, there was no time to even think about my tiredness. After running children around to different classes and activities, we sent Mom on her way back home. Then I unpacked, cleaned, baked, cooked, and got the family ready for this evening's Trunk-or-Treat party at the church. I enjoyed doing all of this with Loni following me everywhere. Boy did I miss my kids! It's so nice feeling their arms around my neck and kisses on my cheeks. 

The witch and her black cat.

She's a good witch

Captain America

 Bob Ross

 Steven's favorite soccer player.

The Sister Missionaries and myself as a basket of yarn.

I won the "Most Creative" award and David the "Most Artistic". It was a fun evening!

Phantom

I took Steven out for an early birthday present. Phantom of the Opera was performing in San Jose during the last couple of weeks of this month and I knew that Steven would enjoy it. Knowing that he will be leaving us soon, I wanted to give him the present of "time". Time with his mother.

Before the 7:30 show, we ate at Ludwigs, a German restaurant in downtown San Jose. Steven has been studying the German language and culture, so this was a wish of his. Both of us were apprehensive at trying the sauerkraut (both of us abhor it), but felt we needed to experience the entire meal. We looked at each other in wide-eyed shock after tasting the first mouthful. It was really good! The two of us loved the sauerkraut. It must be the way they cooked it.

Phantom of the Opera was, of course, amazing! I was disappointed at first to see that our seats were at the end of the row (this explains the cheapness of the tickets). The view of the stage was not ideal. However, minutes before the lights went down and the curtain opened, an usher asked us to move up a few rows and fill in the many vacant seats. This placed us near the middle of the theater. Steven loved the musical! It was a great evening.

Leaving the Harbor

This quote by Neill Marriott speaks to my heart as I am seeing my older ships (children) preparing and leaving our safe little "harbor". 

"Sometimes in the harbor of our homes, we can't see that by simple, consistent acts-including family prayer, scripture study, and family home evening-great things are brought to pass. Great joy comes when these little boats-our children-grow into mighty seafaring vessels filled with gospel light and ready to 'embark in the service of God.'"

Golden Glow

I love the warm golden glow of a setting sun (or rising). There's such a calming feeling about it. It's as if Heavenly Father is showering down his love through the beams of the sun. The desire to stay and bask in His love and warmth is overwhelming. 

No More Braces!

 Dave-o and I both had a visit to the dentist today. My braces were taken off!!! They came off early too; eight months a head of schedule. I love how they look, but my mouth is trying to get used to the feeling. Next week I will be picking up my retainer. So, for now, I will enjoy not having something foreign in my mouth. 

My friend, Rachel, brought over a basket full of popcorn, chewy candy, and a crown in celebration. 

Dave-o had his first filling. He did a great job and didn't complain once.

Farmers Market

 Kirsten and I met up with some friends at the local Farmer's Market. We bought lots of fruit, fresh kettle corn, and Kirsten and Robin found a necklace at a jewelry stand. Just another reason why I love summer.