A Child can do Hard Things

The year is approximately 1991. I was attending an extremely small elementary school in North Albany, Oregon. It was track day, and our teacher was asking us to run a mile without stopping as fast as we possibly could. We were encouraged to meet the guidelines of the Physical Fitness Presidential award. This meant I had to run the mile in about 7 minutes and 30 seconds. It was cold and drizzly. I lined up with the other children. I looked around. Most of the children seemed very focused. The teacher yelled out, "GO!"

I was small and quick. I pulled out in front of most of the children. Only two of the boys in my class remained in front of me. I then proceeded to run my little heart out. My lungs hurt, it did not feel good. Running the mile fast, was hard. But I continued, placing 3rd in my class overall and 1st among the girls. I had met my goal running the mile in 6 minutes and some odd seconds.

Now lets fast forward to this year. Sage and I were talking about how I run on a regualar basis. I asked her how fast she could run the mile. She did not know. I began to pry a bit deeper. "Sage do you at least run the mile without stopping?" She responded, "No." A bit taken back I asked her, "Have you EVER run the mile without stopping." Indifferently she said, "Nope." Even more flabbergasted I asked, "Do they even encourage you to run the mile without stopping anymore??!" Sage said, "Not really." It was right then I decided that I would get Sage to run a mile without stopping by the end of the summer.

It was a Monday morning. I woke Sage up at 10am. I whispered to her that we were going to try and run a mile together. She moaned, dragged herself out of bed, and got dressed. We headed outside. We started to jog at a relitevely slow pace. Before Sage had even gone 1/8th of a mile she gasped and said that running was hard and she did not want to do this. I pushed her to continue. Run. Stop. Run Stop. She had just had the worst day of her life. "Mom, I don't like this! This is too hard. It hurts!." I replied, "I know its hard. I know that it hurts. But Sage you can do hard things. It is a mind game Sage. You have to conquer your doubts and physical limitations and just push through the pain. If you can do that, it will become easier. Remember... it is a mind game. And you Sage have a strong mind." I could tell that she needed some more encouragement. So I promised her I would reward her with something she wanted if she could run a mile without stopping.

A few days past. This time Sage came up to me and asked me to run a mile with her. So we went. She looked at me and said, "Its a mind game right?" We began. We ran the first 1/8 mile. No problem. On our next 1/2 a mile we identified trees as we ran, to keep our minds off of the fact we were running. At the last 1/4 of a mile I encouraged her to keep on going. On the last 1/8 of the mile we could see our finishing spot. I told her to pick up the pace, to go as fast as she could to the end. And she did. Sage had just run her first nonstop mile. She was glowing.

A few days later she came up to me again. "Mom can I run 3 miles with you today." I was ecstatic. "Of course you can!" 3 miles was a bit harder for Sage. She desperately wanted to stop on the last mile. But she kept on going. At the end, she was tired, sore, and red in the face. But you know what? She did it. She did something hard.

I have noticed that my generation has been  raising many children to believe that they don't have to do hard things. We buy them Velcro shoes so they don't have to learn to tie their laces. We don't have winners anymore, because losing is hard. We clean their rooms for them, and dress them, when they are perfectly capable of doing it themselves. We carry them instead of asking them to walk.  We give in to their fears trying our best to keep them from having to face them and overcome them. We tell them that it is ok to walk instead of run that mile. Well you know what, it is not ok. Because children can do hard things. We just have to give them some space and allow them to try. Yes they might fail a few times. But they will get it eventually.

I am so proud of my daughter. She mentally and physically pushed past her comfort zone and did something that was extremely hard for her.  I am fully confident that next time they ask her to run a mile at school, she will run her little heart out like her mom did in 1991. Bravo Sage.

We are still alive!

It's been a while. I know, I know shame on Becky. Time has flown by for our little family. We have enjoyed Thanksgiving, Christmas, The New Year, Jace's Birthday, Ryker's Birthday, and Valentines Day. Lets catch up a little shall we?

Ryker

Ryker turned 2!!! He is growing up to be such a sweet, sweet boy. He always says thank you and please, and he is such a little lover. He hugs, kisses, strokes your face gently, and cuddles all the time. He reminds me of a small Sage but even more cuddly. He can name all his ABC's on flashcards and LOVES to be read to. He has also learned to balance a two wheeled bike (strider). This summer I am sure that he will  take on Jace's old bike and will be riding a two wheeler with pedals soon!

Ryker has really found his voice. The little guy talks all the time. And if you tell him something he repeats it just to confirm what you said. He still loves everything with a motor and has recently discovered remote controlled cars and trains. We love Ryker and he really has been such a blessing to our family.

Jace

Jace turned 4 in December. He asked for a chocolate, construction cake with a back hoe on the top. So that is what we gave him!

Jace has been having a blast this year at Kid's Village. He has just started to sound out letters and read. School has been good for him and Jace, although he is still stubborn, has been learning to take things in stride and not get upset about little things.

Jace has become quite the charmer. He has this look that he uses to make any girl or woman swoon. Goodness, it practically works on boys and men too. The kid is irresistibly cute. He has become best friends with little Ryker this last year. They do everything together. With this new friendship Jace is learning how to be a big brother and how to be patient.  Although Jace has been extremely challenging in the past, as he grows up and matures, he is becoming easier and easier to handle. It is amazing what love and patience can do for a child.

Ashton

Ashton has had a great year in 2nd grade so far. He does well with his studies and manages decently with friends. He did get in a fight with a boy at school this last month. But he was not the aggressor. He did learn that sometimes you have to walk away and choose not to play with someone when they are being disagreeable. We did make his attacker cookies in hopes to extend an olive branch but that did not seem to work. So Ashton decided he wanted to take up basketball so he could play in a different crowd. And since I am actually a pretty decent basketball player, I bought him a ball and taught him how to play.

Ashton continues to take piano lessons and has recently learned how to work and shoot a BB gun. It has been fun to watch his Dad teach him the basics in firearms and safety. Ashton definitely loves everything his Dad does. I would not be surprised if he take up flying airplanes one day.

Sage

Sage is growing into quite the little lady. She is FINALLY starting to care more about her appearance and has been learning how to blow dry her own hair. She has even been asking for earrings in which I told her when she showed me that she could stay responsibly clean (meaning take showers where she actually washes her hair and body) then we would consider getting those ears pierced.

Sage is still very much into Science. It is her favorite subject. When asked what her talents are she always mentions her knowledge of Biology, Geology, and Physics. Now if I could just convince her that math is just as fun as Biology then things would be perfect! I am not saying she does not do well in math. She does great when she actually tries. But she sure does whine a lot about her equations. Especially when I tell her she has to re-due them because she got them wrong.

She is still very much into boys. She even came home the other day excited to tell me that the boy she likes has a 6 pack. When I doubted this story she explained that he was in gymnastics... and then I realized the kid probably did have one and the fact that my daughter noticed and was excited by that scared me just a little. Having said that, she really is an amazing gal. She still shares her testimony every month at church, helps out at home, and is the perfect big sister. Well maybe she is not perfect, but she is perfect enough for me!

Me

My fall and winter has been a bit of a whirlwind. In the fall I was inspired to pick up an old guitar and start playing. And now, I can actually play the guitar. I am no pro, but I do alright for a self taught beginner. I really enjoy learning the guitar and even bought myself a new guitar that sings a much sweeter song than the guitar I started on. And yes I did name it, and that guitar is sometimes my refuge from the storm. Do you realize how loveable a guitar is?? You can actually comfortably hug it. If only they could hug you back. I have been tinkering with various songs and styles. If you are ever visiting, just ask and I will play a little tune for you.

Just before the beginning of the year I was called to Primary President at my church. At first the calling was a bit stressful due to the time of year. But I have amazing councilors, a better than average secretary and I sure do love the kids I get to serve. I can honestly say that I truly do enjoy my new calling in my church and am thankful for the blessings it provides. Kids really are the best! And I find it easy to connect with any child.

Curtis

Curtis has been a busy guy as usual. He continues to work on various projects and education. Right now he is actually working on creating a flight simulator with a friend that could potentially be sold to flight schools around the country. There goal is to make it affordable and functional. He has also been having fun buying a bunch of toys for our new boat we purchased recently and he can't wait to take it out on the lake.

Curtis has taken on the huge task of redoing my entire basement. We have added one bedroom, a hallway, and a storage area to the once more open floor plan. Next comes paint and carpet! I am so thankful for the fact that my husband is capable of doing almost anything. He is such a hard worker.

Curtis continues to work hard at Fidelity Investments and SAR. This winter has been relatively calm when it comes to Search and Rescue. Curtis has become the Dive Sergeant once more for the team and is looking forward to energizing the program. Other than that things are pretty normal for Curtis.

And there you have it folks! And now I must go downstairs and put my kids to bed. Hope all of our family and friends are doing well!

Love is in the Air

As Summer creeps to an end, those crisp, cool breezes begin to make their entrance. I have been feeling those gentle breezes lately. They ever so slightly blow my hair off of my neck and seem to caress me with cool kisses. I love it. It calms me, relaxes me, and makes me think of some of my favorite places and moments. And then I feel loved.

In the evenings its starting to get chilly enough to warrant a baggy sweater. And I have plenty of those! I love snuggling up in an overly large hoodie. Again it makes me feel loved. 

The stars seem to shine brighter this time of year. As I see a "shooting star" blaze across the night sky, I think to myself how lucky I am to have witnessed it.  Meteor showers have a special place in my heart. And they too make me feel loved.

I feel so lucky to feel as loved as I do. To know who loves me and how they love me. And despite how painful the fall has been in the past, I am glad that that pain has been over run by the simplicity and happiness that love provides.  I do indeed feel loved.

Four Score and Two Months ago

We went to Oregon just after Seattle. I realize I am writing this quite a while after our trip, but things have been pretty busy for me and for some reason my drive to write has been unusually low.  I apologize for my Tardiness.

Oregon is where I grew up. My family lived both in Beaverton and North Albany. Later in life my father moved us away. And as the years speed by quickly, one by one all my siblings have been migrating back to Oregon. I am now the last of 7 kids here in Utah.  So Oregon will become a standard trip for me and my family.

This year we stayed with Cam and Shan in Hillsboro. Sage and Ashton got to stay with Cam and his Family, and me, the hubby and the little ones crashed at Shanny's. Seems like I have so many memories in Hillsboro... and it seems as though there will be more to come. While we were there we visited Fort Vancouver,  hung out with family, went berry picking, witnessed little Clark's Baby blessing, visited the beach, and celebrated the Fourth of July. Here are some pictures and my random remarks on such pictures.

At the entrance to Fort Vancouver. We barely made it in time to quickly walk through the place. We only had about a half hour.

Fort Vancouver is right next to an airport. Both Ryker and Curtis were looking up at the planes more than the fort itself!

Jace made special friends with the blacksmith by asking him 100 questions!

One of the towers at the Fort. The Fort was primarily used for trade.

Little Clark was quite fussy the first night we were there. Curtis, the baby whisperer, was able to calm it. He has always had a way with babies. It makes him a great baby daddy.

We all went berry picking for an afternoon. This is my sister Shan, her husband Dan, and their baby Clark!

Ryker ate most everything he picked. I remember doing the same thing when I was young.

A few hours later we had accumulated more than $70 worth of berries! Karren made pies.

This is my birthday breakfast provided by my beautiful sister Shannon. Its blueberry Cheesecake (I LOVE cheesecake), chocolate milk and baguette. The french eat bread and hot chocolate milk nearly every morning. Its now my favorite breakfast:) I'm simple.

My birthday cupcakes. Unfortunately I was not feeling well at all by the end of the day and did not eat one. I had Curtis blow them out in case I was viral.

Parade 4th of July Morning.

A dead fish Ashton found at Cannon Beach.

This was Ryker's first time ever on an oceanic beach. At first he cried because he did not like the cold water. Eventually he got used to it and stopped fussing enough to enjoy it a little.

Ashton being as sensitive as he is did NOT like the cold water but ventured out into it anyway after being prompted to do so by his Dad.

Jace enjoyed playing in the sand with Ryker.

Cute kids and a beautiful beach. Lucky shot too! It was fairly crowded but somehow Curtis got this undisturbed beauty of a photo.

Sage was not deterred by the cold at all! She loved every second of that beach and water. She LOVES the ocean like her mama. Pay no attention to the crack Ashton is making :)

We loved being with Family in Oregon.  Sage and Ashton LOVE their cousins there and it was good for me to see my brothers and sister.

I love you because...

Whenever I tell Curtis I love him he often replies with, "Why?" It got me thinking. Why do I love those I love? Why do I love Ryker, Jace, Ashton, Sage, and Curtis? 

Sage, I love you because you have an amazing self confidence.
Sage, I love you because you are a great leader.
Sage, I love you because you are aware of how others feel.
Sage, I love you because you are intelligent.
Sage, I love you because you are creative.
Sage, I love you because you read between the lines.
Sage, I love you because you set a great example.
Sage, I love you because you remind me of me.
Sage, I love you because you are mine.

Ashton, I love you because you are goofy and make me laugh.
Ashton, I love you because you are always the first one to lend a helping hand.
Ashton, I love you because you are a very hard worker.
Ashton I love you because you are soft spoken.
Ashton, I love you because you stick things out to the very end.
Ashton, I love you because you eat your veggies without complaint!
Ashton I love you because you always want to be near me and love me.
Ashton, I love you because you are very forgiving.
Ashton, I love you because you are mine.

Jace, I love you because you have the cutest smile.
Jace, I love you because of how you think.
Jace, I love you because you like to know how things work.
Jace, I love you because you have an opinion about everything.
Jace, I love you because you tan so well I never have to worry about you getting burnt.
Jace, I love you because you try so hard to be a good boy.
Jace, I love you because that fake laugh you do is so adorable.
Jace, I love you because you protect your family no matter the cost.
Jace, I love you because you are mine.

Ryker, I love you because you cuddle with me whenever I need it.
Ryker, I love you because you are a goof ball.
Ryker, I love you because you are sweet.
Ryker, I love you because you are so stinking smart!
Ryker, I love you because you love the outdoors as much as I do.
Ryker, I love you because you are obedient and love to please.
Ryker I love you because you are fun to tease and tickle!
Ryker, I love you because you remind me of my father.
Ryker, I love you because you are mine.

Curtis, I love because you always give me the benefit of the doubt.
Curtis, I love you because you are always there.
Curtis, I love you because you take care of your family putting them first above all else.
Curtis, I love you because you can fix anything!
Curtis, I love you because you put your all into everything you touch.
Curtis, I love you because you are passionate.
Curtis, I love you because you are dependable.
Curtis, I love you because I can believe in your word.
Curtis I love you because you are mine.

Why do you love those you love? Next time you tell them you love them, tell them why. Its amazing how much it helps strengthen your love for them and makes them feel even more loved themselves.

Seattle

 I wanted to post a few pictures of our time spent in Seattle. It was a whirlwind of a visit but my family enjoyed it. We are ever so grateful to Ilene and Richard for their hospitality and love. Here are some pictures and a few stories from our adventures.

This was around 5:30AM on our way out of Salt Lake City. Yes we travel early and and we made it to Seattle in one day. And no it was not as bad as I thought it would be. Our kids were relatively well behaved and the traveling was smooth.

We arrived in Seattle on a Saturday night. The next Sunday we spent most of our time loving my grandparents in Redmond. They are really getting older. Every moment with them is precious to me. The following day we went to Alki Beach.

The kids love to walk beaches. Jace however thought the beach was dirty and refused to walk on it asking for a cleaner beach. He really is his fathers son.

It was a bit nippy.

Sage and Ashton enjoyed finding treasures.

My father loves to pick up these white rocks while walking Alki beach. I decided to continue the tradition. If you can't have something, you might as well take part of it home with you.

We went a little further up the beach and found a bunch of tide pools with a ton of critters in them.

The crab is dead, otherwise I am not sure Ashton would want to hold it. Those things can pinch!

Sage found several clam shells that were still attached with other little critter residing inside. Unfortunately our tide pool excursion was cut short because Sage broke her flip flop and cut herself on some barnacles.  I got to pack her out on my back. Good thing she is little!

We ate our traditional Fish and Chips at Spud.

Curtis and I got the Halibut and Chips, Ashton got the Fried Clams and Chips, and Sage as usual got the Clam Chowder. Ryker munched off of all our meals and Jace slept through lunch. Jace was not feeling well. We liked Spud and would go there again. Thanks Ilene for the suggestion.

Back at Richard's and Ilene's the kids loved playing with Buffy.

Ryker snuck outside in his diaper to toss a ball to his puppy cousin.

The next day we headed off to Rainier National Park. It was a perfect day and we tried to see as much as we could in a short period of time. Did you know that Curtis climbed Mt. Rainier all the way to the peak when he was 18? Does that surprise anyone? I didn't think so. Over 15 years later he returns with a wife and 4 kids. Crazy how time changes things.

On our way we saw these neat motel rooms made out of box cars. Ryker LOVES trains and was excited to see them.

We went on the perfect day! The sky was clear and we could see for miles.

Entering the park.

One of the many falls in the park.

Family picture.

Mt Rainier. Isn't it pretty.

The little one.

The little bit bigger one.

The big ones.

Ryker learned what a waterfall was that day.

So pretty.

On our last day we just hung out with family. I unfortunately did not get a picture of Grams and Gramps this time around. The best part of Seattle is my family. I love my family.

Uncle Richard taught Jace how to water all his plants.