Dudley's Do Hard Things

You can do it. Yes it's hard, but it's not impossible. Be Brave and power through. Work hard and don't give up. Don't tell yourself you can't before you even start!! How do you know you can't unless you try? Don't doubt yourself. Give it your all.

These are phrases that have been used frequently this last month as our family has taken on new adventures, new hobbies and new schools.

Let's start with our Sage. We all love Sage. She is intelligent, social, kind, and knows her own mind. Our Sage decided to take on a lot this year. Over the Summer she started Cross Country. "But Sage, you have Asthma and bad knees! Are you sure you want to start running long distances?" A resounding yes was declared to all those who love her.

The first month was rough. Her knees were killing her. Her asthma was triggered, she was the slowest on the team. Sage was wondering if it was worth it. She decided to not give up and keep on going. We bought her special knee braces and treated her allergies more aggressively. Now her knees are stronger, she doesn't need the braces, and she can now run 3 miles competitively. She still have room to grow as she continues to set personal records for herself. But she is proud to have overcome such a hard endeavor.

Ashton was accepted into an amazing school this year called Maeser Preparatory  Academy. Although it is amazing, it is not an easy school. Most teachers expect a lot out of their students. They don't believe in extra credit and homework is constant. Ashton knew that it was a challenging school. But Ashton declared, "It's ok Mom and Dad. I want to be challenged!" Ashton has worked hard and his straight A's are evidence of that. I've been so impressed by his work ethic. He never complains, just get's things done.

And then the Blood Drive sign up sheet landed in my lap. Curtis' voice was heard in my head. "You should donate blood this time Weetheart. You can do it. Don't be scared." As my heart beat fast I quickly signed my name at the top of the schedule. Then I texted my Curtis, "I hope you will be there to hold my hand because I am so nervous." For those who have not caught on yet, I had never given blood before in my life due to fear. I do not like needles. I can not look when a nurse draws my blood. To give a whole bag full seemed impossible for me.

The day came, Curtis could not be there due to work issues. As I drove to the church I was wishing he could be there to calm me. I walked in, signed up and answered questions. They put the needle in. So far so good. I began to squeeze my fist to help with flow. Doing ok. The nurse told me I was flowing too fast. "Squeeze less hard," she said.  Sage Calls needing a ride. I told her she had to wait. Then I started to see stars followed by cold chills and sweats. I lost all color in my face. My hands and feet started to tingle. They laid me back asked me if they should stop and encouraged me to do so. Defiantly I said, "No, keep on going. I am fine." They asked me several more times as I was on the verge of passing out if I wanted to stop. "No, how much more do we need before the bag is full? Has my flow slowed down?  Reposition the needle. Get it going fast again. Lets get this done!" I got through it. My first thought was I needed to get Sage. I was shaking uncontrollably from the ordeal (This happens when my body starts thinking about going into shock.) They forced me to drink juice and sit down for a bit... when they were not looking I slipped out,  Sat in the car for a minute eating almonds and waiting for my body to stop shaking. Then I took off.

Was it a good experience? No not really. Yes I felt good that I was helping others out... but it was miserable for me. Hard. But if I'm going to tell my kids to do hard things I need to set the example. I was wiped out for the rest of the day. Maybe if I did it more often my body would get used to it... maybe.

Everyday we have to do hard things. Sometimes it's simply personal challenges like exercising consistently, being kinder, using time more wisely. Other times it's things we have no choice to endeavor in life like illness, bad relationships, tragic events. But we can do it. We can all power through the hard times we face in our lives. And by doing so, we grow, become better people, and prove to ourselves and to those around us that we are strong. So be strong! Get it done! You can do hard things. 

Done with 2018, on to 2019

It seems as though 2018 has gone by so quickly for our family. But a lot has happened this last year.

This year as a family we camped in the Moab area twice with the Gardner Family. The first time in the spring Curtis was still using a crutch but we managed to have a lot of fun going off roading, spotting wild Mustangs and hanging out around the campfire. The second time in the Fall we headed to Dripping Springs where we repelled, hiked around, went off roading, and explored. 

Other trips include spring break in and around the four corners area, a trip to Montana to help my Grandpa out with Live History Days for his Museum, many trips to Deer Creek to go boating, a trip to CA to go to Legoland and Disneyland with Grandma and Grandpa Dudley, and many many small trips within Utah to play and have fun.

CURTIS 

I would like to start this years individual highlights with Curtis. Curtis has had  bit of a rough year. At the end of 2017 he got hit on his motorcycle. His left leg was shattered into 13 pieces. His recovery in 2018 has been slow. Curtis endured 5 separate surgeries to fix the leg with 5 separate recoveries. After everything both his doctor and physical therapist could do, we have come to the reluctant realization that the leg will never be what it was. With time it still may improve some, but the leg has lost it's ability to lock at the knee, and is still significantly weaker than the other leg. Also as may of you know, with severe injuries you always know when the next storm is coming. And if you look closely, you will still see him limp from time to time.

Despite the setback with the leg, Curtis has not let it slow him down too much. He is still an active member on the Search and Rescue team, he still helps everyone out who needs it, he continues to serve as an Elder Quorum President for our Ward, he has taken up Fly Fishing and other manly activities, he renewed his pilots license this last year, and has taken the the brave step in Rental Home Ownership by purchasing rental properties in Colorado.

Becky

What has Becky Been up to? The beginning of 2018 was consumed by caring for Curtis. I went to nearly every Physical Therapy session with Curtis (he went 2-3 times a week.) I was also there for every surgery and Doctor appointment. I slowly watched him as he improved. I was his caretaker, personal chauffeur and personal coach. Meanwhile I was also keeping the house together and tending to my children. 

This year I have not really done anything new of significance. I continue to exercise on a regular basis, and I have finally finished all my Christmas Stockings. I serve my church ward as a Cub Scout Master and Committee chair and was recently asked to be an assistant to the Steak Camp Director for the Young Women. 

I continue to volunteer my time anywhere I can. I am the volunteer parent Coordinator for Sage's Choir, I organized and helped run a large auction for the Charter School my kids go to, and I volunteer on a weekly basis reading with Jace's Class. 

None of this seems all that exciting. But I am very busy most days. I guess this year I should try and do something for me that is new. I probably could use the change.

Ryker

Ryker has really matured this last year. I can't say that he has grown a lot since last year. Even though he is the oldest in his class, he is one of the smallest boys in Kindergarten. He is however literally the top of his class academically. Ryker has turned out to be an amazing reader. He reads at a 2nd grade level already. Once Ryker has read a word he remembers it. He site reads everything he sees rarely sounding out words. I am amazed by his ability to remember things. In math he excels just as much. He is really enjoying Timpanogos Academy.

Ryker is very much a mamas boy. Every day he takes time out for "Cuddle Time" with mom. He also loves to dance with me. Ryker is very level headed and loves his family very much. 

Ryker still enjoys thrills and adrenaline rushes. He loves getting on motorcycles, bikes, and amusement park rides. He definitely gets that from Curtis. There is little that Ryker is scared of. He is definitely a brave boy.

Jace

Jace Turned 8 this year and will be getting baptized as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints this Saturday. Jace is enjoying school this year and is very popular amongst his peers. He is a very thoughtful boy and wants to always please everyone in his class. He does well in school and is very active.

In the summers he continues to play baseball and swim. He truly enjoys everything and anything that allows him to get his wiggles out. He is always talking and moving. Even in his sleep.

Jace has a vivid imagination. He is always the one leading his younger brother in imaginative play. Jace is quite the charmer. He always tries to dress nice for the ladies and knows that he can make any gal swoon with just a glance.

Jace is very passionate. When he is happy he is really really happy. When he is sad he is really really sad. Sometimes he has a hard time controlling his passionate feelings. This year we are excited for him to start taekwondo to help teach control and manage his reaction to things a bit more. I am also excited to see how he can excel in this sport. Jace is probably my most coordinated child.

Ashton

Ashton has progressed in so many areas this year! At the end of the last school year we finally had him diagnosed with ADHD. As a mother I have been reluctant to have him labeled with ADHD. Even as a toddler I recognized that he had major issues paying attention for more than a few minutes at a time. In school he always did ok. But he never excelled. Homework would take him several hours every night. His chores and job would take him a lot of time as well. By the end of the last school year I could see how he struggled with getting things done. So I took him in, had him take a bunch of tests, and had him diagnosed. He has been on medication for his ADHD since last May. And since then he gets his homework done efficiently and quickly (Most days he gets it done at school), gets mostly A's if not all A's, gets his chores done in a timely manner, remembers to do the things I ask him to do, and is calmer and happier.  

Recognizing and treating his ADHD has also helped him in his Taekwondo. This year Ashton has moved up to advanced Taekwondo. He has competed in his first tournament in both sparring and board breaking. In his age group he broke the thickest boards and placed 3rd place. In sparring he learned a lot so that hopefully he will do better next time. Ashton is not naturally a very aggressive person so sparring can be difficult for him. Ashton is at Taekwondo for 4-5 hours every week. His teacher has moved him into adult classes because he is so focused and significantly bigger than the other kids. 

That's right! Ashton is still in the 80th percentile in height. He is close to growing taller than me at age 11!! He has also gotten a lot stronger by exercising, doing taekwondo, and mucking out horse stalls. But he still isn't as strong as his mom.

Sage

Sage has entered 9th grade this year. She has made many goals academically and is in Honors English, Honors Math, Honors Biology, AP Geography, Woods, Studio Art, Mythology, and a few other classes I do not recall. So far she retains a 4.00. I am very proud of Sage. She has always been smart but taking the harder yet more rewarding road has not always been her strength. In the past taking the easy path with the least resistance has always been her motto. With some persuasion from me she took on a much more challenging schedule and has done really well while learning some lessons on the way.

Sage continues to sing in the Utah Children's Choir. Her voice is maturing as she gets older. She definitely has her way of singing that is unique and meaningful to her. 

Sage is a leader in any group she is associated with. Sage is always careful to make sure that everyone is included. In the past she knows what it is like to be excluded. Knowing how that feels she is really careful to be kind to all those around her.

Sage is boy crazy. She likes one boy in particular. He who will not be named likes her back. It's fun to watch her have her little crush while reminding her she is only 14 and needs to keep things in the friend zone. I am however comforted by the fact she is choosing boys who are at the top of their class academically. I figure if they are responsible enough to get good grades they probably have a good head on those shoulders and wont get into too much trouble. 

That concludes my 2018 Blog. Our family is growing older and wiser. Each individual is unique and contributes to our family in an irreplaceable way. We all look forward to 2019 because it will be the mark of 10 years since our story began.