Project Life: Week 1 (Utah)

Well, here is my Week 1 layout.  This was a tricky week to start Project Life because it wasn't an average, low-key week.  We drove to Utah to see my family, so I took more pictures than usual, and had A LOT to journal.  I am actually going to end up inserting a 6x12 sheet between these with January 5th's events, including a story about Ryan and my Grandma (see below), as well as Grandpa's birthday, which we celebrated together in his honor.  Anyway, I am mostly happy with this, but definitely need to come up with a simpler system to keep things consistent.  To me, this is too busy.  But again, there was a lot to squeeze in.  Week 2 and so forth should be a little easier to process. 

Here's half of the 6x12 insert. The other half (Grandpa's birthday tribute) is still in production.

A closer look...

This Utah trip was truly like no other. With all the recent developments relating to Grandma, my main priority was to spend time with her and to help my parents. It was an unforgettably sweet and humbling five days.

Flashback Friday

Yesterday, while searching for a picture I know I have but couldn't find of my parents and brother in our front yard the 1988(?) morning it snowed in Vacaville - see previous post, I came across this one of my dad and me, taken in the summer of 1989.  Upon discovering it, I was immediately reminded of another picture of my dad with a different little girl, taken last September during my parents' annual visit. 

My dad talks all the time about how much Chloe reminds him of me when I was her age.  I love that.  And I love that he can now experience many of the same joys with Chloe that he experienced with me.  They certainly have an unbreakable bond, those two.

When Ryan hopped on my lap and saw this picture, he immediately said, "But where's a picture of me and Grandma Jill!?"  Sweet boy, never wanting to leave anyone out.  I also might add, Grandma Jill, that Ryan requested your scrambled eggs for dinner tonight!

A musical masterpiece and snow

"Songs and smells will bring you back to a moment in time more than anything else.  It's amazing how much can be conjured with a few notes of a song or a solitary whiff of a room."  - Emily Giffin

Being the sentimental girl I am, I hold this quote dear to my heart.  It's a beautiful concept if you think about it, that a simple piece of music or smell can instantly take you back to a precious moment in time, of which you might not have otherwise been reminded.  It happened to me yesterday afternoon, unexpectedly, like usual.  I was unloading the dishwasher and Ryan was watching Looney Tunes.  A few episodes in was "Rhapsody Rabbit," featuring Bugs Bunny, who plays a concert pianist and performs Franz Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2.  The episode was naturally silly, and together Ryan and I giggled from start to finish.  Bugs shot the guy in the audience for coughing (some would not find that funny, I suppose), then incorporated boogie woogie, chopsticks and taps into his piano masterpiece, all whilst battling an annoying and equally talented mouse.  It wasn't Bugs' silliness or Ryan's giggles that left a lasting impression on me, though both were entertaining.  Instead, it was the childhood memory which instantly surfaced upon hearing the music.

When I was eight or nine, my dad took me to see the snow for the very first time.  Vacaville never got snow, and the one stinkin' time it did, in 1988, I believe - a whopping inch or two, I was in Palo Alto visiting my grandparents!  I remember talking to my mom on the phone that morning and sensing sadness and disappointment for and in behalf of me.  There she, my dad and brother were, witnessing what would be a one-time, short-lived winter wonderland outside our front door, while I sat, only 90 miles away, unable to do anything about it.  It was a real bummer, and I remember feeling so disappointed.  Not long after, my dad, who understood and wanted to make it up to me, suggested that we go up to the mountains and find some snow to play in.

He had recently compiled a cassette tape (hey, it was the 80s) containing some classical masterpieces.  Among those he and I could recall were Brahms' Symphony 3, Op. 90 - III, Smetana's Die Moldau (which I learned today my grandma Martha and great aunt Gertrude used to play on the record player when my dad, as a baby, would cry in the night, to lull him back to sleep), Mahler's Symphony 5 - Adagietto, Mahler's Symphony 1, Movement 2 (one of my favorites), and Franz Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 (my absolute favorite).  My dad brought the tape along in the car and played it during our two or so hour drive toward Tahoe.  I can't tell you which of those masterpieces I'd heard prior to that drive, but what I can tell you is that each time I hear any one of them now, but especially Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsody, I'm instantly taken back to the day, more than two decades ago, when I saw snow for the very first time.

I still remember so vividly driving through the sunlit mountain roads, listening to the beautiful music and gazing out the window with anticipation of spotting that first clump of white on the side of the road.  We eventually found those clumps, and what a magical sight it was for eight or nine-year-old little me.  We parked, hiked around, threw snowballs, possibly made a snow angel or two, and just enjoyed the gorgeous crisp, clean air and stunning views, before hopping back in the car, stopping for Chinese food, and heading home.  It was a fun day with my dad, one I've never forgotten, and one with which I will always associate Franz Liszt's musical masterpiece.

You can watch "Rhapsody Rabbit" HERE, though it's not the English version.  I think Ryan laughed harder watching this than the original because of the "funny talking." 

Curious, helping hands

Last night, as I was deseeding jalapenos, Ryan climbed onto the counter.  Normally such activity is discouraged, and both the kids know this.  But he showed such intense (and instantaneous) fascination in what was happening, that I simply couldn't bring myself to put him down. 

"Do we like this?" he asked, pointing to the jalapenos.

"Um, not the seeds.  They're spicy!  But the peppers themselves?  Yes, we like those!"

"Does Grandpa Roy like some? Your dad? Does he like some?"

Ryan knows Grandpa Roy likes spicy things, so of course he'd like jalapenos, right?  I told him to be sure and ask the next time they talked on the phone.  Ryan, now showing more interest in the sharp knife sitting in front of him, simply replied, "Okay." 

After "helping" me chop said jalapenos and transferring them to the pan, Ryan watched, from above, to ensure that our spaghetti sauce was cooking just right.

So glad I have my curious kitchen helper to keep my brain sharp and cooking in check.

Happy Anniversary, kids!

Forty-five years ago on this day something pretty special happened.  My parents, then twenty-two and twenty-three, who were madly in love - and I mean madly in love - who had waited four long years, and who were more than ready to begin their lives together were, at last, married.

I had the privilege of seeing these two lovebirds this week when they came for their annual Fall visit.  As I was driving them to the airport Tuesday night, I asked them each to tell me what they valued most about their forty-five years of marriage.

DAD said the best thing was "having learned the truth of the last line from the song, "Nature Boy" which is:

The greatest thing
You'll ever learn
Is just to love
And be loved
In return.

"In order to understand the truth of that line you do have 'to love and be loved in return' - and I do think that's the greatest thing."

MOM said this:

"Though I have always cherished my time with Dad, I find that increasing more and more. We always loved being together, and since much of our courtship was spent apart, the "At Last" (pertaining to the song) for us applies not only to our having found each other, but also to finally being married, so we could be together all the time - "At Last." When we married and I followed him to California I didn't know a soul there except a few of his friends I'd met only briefly. But it didn't matter. All that mattered was that he was there. As the years go by, more and more I realize the value in just being with him. Though I enjoy the company of others and consider myself a social person, when I am away from him for any length of time I miss him, and I still cry when I leave him at the airport. We sit for hours after breakfast talking about many things, either the business at hand or reminiscing about old times. We talk as we take our walks, or sometimes don't talk, just walk hand-in-hand (and it's amazing how many people have commented on our holding hands as we walk). And he still makes me laugh - out loud - all the time. Being together is so comfortable, so right. And as time goes on, that only increases, getting better with each passing year."

The love these two share is a fierce, unbreakable kind of love.  The foundation they've built throughout their journey together is immovable and they continue to strengthen it each day through simple acts of kindness, affection and laughter.  The longer I'm alive and married the more I see just how much my parents' value of marriage has rubbed off on me.  In a world where it's taken less and less seriously, I am grateful for this confidence and level of sacredness they have instilled in me.  And there's no doubt in my mind that Neil and I will someday celebrate forty-five years too.



When I think about my parents I feel peace and comfort in my heart.  They love each other so deeply, know each other so well, and take care of each other with such tenderness.  Just as any parent finds joy in seeing his/her children happy, I find joy in seeing my parents happy.  I sleep better at night knowing they are taken care of.

Over the years my parents have talked about some of the things that initially attracted them to each other.  My dad has mentioned several times my mom's skinny ankles and her playful, vivacious spirit.  He's also mentioned more than once the lasting effect she had on him the night they met on her front porch when he and their mutual friend, Lynn Hemingway dropped in to say hello.  In a recent description he wrote about the movie, Legally Blonde for their annual Halliday Film Festival which they host each summer, he said this:

"You've gotta love Reese Witherspoon in this unlikely tale of blonde determination - and intelligence! - sticking it to academic snobbery and snooty elitism.  It may surprise you, but Witherspoon in this film reminds me of Jill back in her twenties.  Yup, the fun-loving confidence, the indomitable perseverance, the charming quick-wittedness, the life-loving exuberance, and the total absence of vindictiveness, even when maliciously wronged - the Jill I fell in love with over four decades ago."

My mom has talked endlessly about how handsome my dad was.  She told me that the first time her youngest sister, Valeri, who was nine at the time, met him, she raced into the kitchen announcing that Dick Van Dyke was standing in their living room!  My dad made her and everyone laugh, and that was a quality she'd always wanted and continues to appreciate and cherish to this day. 

A variation of courtship photos ranging from 1962-1966.

With my grandparents, all of whom have passed away except Grandma Martha (second from the left), who will celebrate her 95th birthday this December.  Love these people so much.  Can't say it enough.

Shortly after they were married.  Can you tell they're happy?

I love this one.  Not sure what year it was taken but my guess is late 60s or early 70s.

You've still got it, guys!  Even after forty-five years, you've still got it!
And just look what you have to show for it!

{Mother's Day 2011 - Salt Lake City, UT}

We love you and hope today is perfect!
Happy Anniversary!

Celebrating...

Yesterday my little "sister" celebrated her 29th birthday.  I love Lori for so many reasons, and the more I spend time with and get to know her, the more I respect and adore her.  I have many memories of Lori, now going back nearly a decade (crazy!!), which I'll forever hold dear to my heart.  I am grateful to have her in my life.  Happy Birthday, Lori Jean!

{This was taken last weekend in Salt Lake right after Jared, Lori and their sweet little Katie-Bug were sealed for time and eternity. }

Another thing that makes Lori special is that she shares a birthday with my Grandma Ruth Butterfield, who would have turned ninety-two yesterday.  I wish I'd had more time in this life with my Grandma Ruth, and the time I did have with her I wish I'd cherished more, but I am so grateful for the memories I have and for my mom's, aunts', uncle and cousins' memories, many of which they've shared with me.  My mom told me that whenever there was contention in their home growing up, whether it be a sibling squabble or someone simply having a bad day, my grandma would often sit at the piano and play "Love at Home."  To this day I can hardly get through the hymn without crying.  Yesterday, in fact, we sang it in Sacrament Meeting and I was holding back the tears.  What a strong message that quiet and simple act conveyed.  And what a gift one has when she can make a point without saying a word.  My mom says she never heard her mother raise her voice.  And she never spoke an unkind word about anyone.  It's no wonder my mom is the kind woman she is, not to mention her brother, Vee, and sisters, Pat, Carolyn and Valeri.  I am grateful for the legacy my grandma left behind and I can't wait to see her again someday.  Happy Birthday, Grandma Ruth!

{From left to right: my mom, age six, Grandma Ruth, Uncle Vee, Grandpa VeLoy and Aunt Pat}

Yesterday was also Father's Day!

When I think about the men who have touched my life, my dad instantly comes to mind.  He was, after all, the first man in my life!  I love him so much.  As far back as I can remember we've been close, and I think it's safe to say we always will be.  Some of my favorite things about my dad include his warm, loving nature, his love for his family, and how giving he is of his time.  He's never in a hurry and makes you feel as though he has all the time in the world.  To me that is invaluable.  I hope my dad knows how much I admire and love him.

{1981 & 2002: two of my favorite pictures ever taken of us. They go together so perfectly.}

{This was taken at Hogle Zoo last summer.  I think if Chloe had to choose her favorite person it would be Grandpa Roy.  She loves him more than I ever thought a five-year-old was capable of loving another human being.  There's no denying that these two have a lasting bond.}

My dad-in-law, David, has also touched my life.  He has one of the kindest hearts of any man I've ever met, and values his family greatly.  While we don't get to see much of each other, I think of him often and am grateful for his love and support.  I especially love his occasional phone calls and emails where he simply tells me that he loves and appreciates me.  Those small acts of kindness mean more to me than he knows.  I really hope to get to see him within the next few months.  It's been too long!

{This was taken during our Christmas trip to Atlanta in 2005. Chloe was just five weeks old. My, how time flies...}

Even having never met Neil's dad, Grant, who passed away when Neil was six, I still love this man like a father. Neil remembers him well, and has shared with me facts about him and memories he has. Neil's mom and his aunt and uncle have also shared with me bits and pieces of his life, and I am convinced he was an incredible man. I can't wait to meet Grant one day, and in the meantime I will continue to cherish the pictures I can hold in my hand and the fond memories others have shared of their time with him on this earth.

Yesterday I was glancing through pictures of the kids I took last week during their swim lessons and happened upon this one of Neil and Ryan, which reminded me of a picture that was taken roughly 30 years ago.

{It looks like Ryan and Neil are about the same age in these pictures.  Can you believe the similarities? And what a perfect discover to make on Father's Day!}

And finally, I must honor my husband, who is amazing in so many ways. It's pretty much impossible for me to express in words my love and appreciation for Neil, so I'm not going to try. He knows how I feel. :) He is the fun and silly father I always hoped my children would have, as well as the supportive and playful husband I always hoped I would have! Chloe and Ryan love their dad so much and watching them giggle and wrestle together on the floor brings joy to my soul.

{The kids were so excited to present their Father's Day gift to Neil. And as you can see, he shared their enthusiasm.}

I hope everyone else out there had a very Happy Father's Day!

My parents

I just wanted to say a little something about my parents.  First of all, they are wonderful.  They've always been wonderful.  And I've found them to be even more wonderful these recent weeks as they've reached out to me more than ever. 

Chloe adores them - always has, of course - but on a whole new level now.  Part of it is that she's growing old enough to develop relationships and true feelings for others.  Another part of it is that she spent a solid 2 weeks with my parents in July.  It's been a pretty cool experience watching her discover what it is to love and care for someone deeply. 

She and my mom have always been close.  But this trip Chloe took a particular liking to my dad.  Tonight he told me, "Chloe's the apple of my eye."  I think if Chloe knew what that meant, she'd say the exact same thing about him.  During the time we were visiting, she would just follow Grandpa around everywhere.  She wanted to be a part of everything he was doing, and hardly left him alone.  Luckily he didn't mind one bit, and welcomed her company.  Those two developed a true bond during their time together, and it was hard to go back home for that reason. She was overjoyed when he, my brother and two of their close friends drove through last week on their way to New Orleans, and cried genuine tears the morning they left.  Since then, she's said at least once a day, "I miss my Grandpa."

Tonight I had a chance to catch up with my parents on the phone.  After getting the kids to bed and sitting down to work on the usual: pictures, I started to ponder my parents, their journey, and the amazing individuals that they are.  I find it's when I've grown that I discover yet another quality that they possess.  Well, I've been doing a lot of growing lately, so I suppose that's where this post stems from.  I am so grateful for my parents, for their hospitality, for their acceptance, for their support, for their example, and for their genuine love and concern for me and my family.  I really couldn't ask for anything more.

Grandpa with the kiddos - Hogle Zoo, July 2010

Grandma Jill with the kiddos - Paradise Bakery, July 2010

Don't I have a pretty mom?  Thanks for all you do, guys!  We love you.

On a side note, I am closing up business August 31st.  I am officially burnt out, and just too busy and stressed to be enjoying it anymore.  I do hope to resume business once I'm settled with Neil in California, but for right now my focus needs to be the kids and our home.  Once I'm caught up, which seems like an eternity away, I will be able to invest my late nights into this poor blog.  It kills me how behind I've gotten.  I took over a thousand pictures during our UT trip last month, not to mention the hundreds of May and June pictures which I have yet to even look through.  Hopefully after Labor Day I'll be able to find some ME time and get back on the blogging bandwagon.

A Look Back: September 2009

I think we've established that time flies, but it seems like from September to December is the worst. Between the new school year, Halloween, Thanksgiving and finally, Christmas, life just gets insanely busy. Looking back it seems like the Holidays were just on top of each other last year. Perhaps that explains why I neglected my blog so much during those months (not that I've been much better since Christmas). Well, in attempt to catch things up, we're going to take a look back...

...starting with September!

First, let me just say we are big football fans in this house! Since I can remember, I've cheered for the 49ers, while Neil has cheered for LSU. Because he graduated from BYU, he's also a Cougar fan, but LSU is in his blood, and ultimately, his team. We support each other's fandom, and I'll have to say, while I grew up watching professional football, being married to Neil has really opened my heart to college football. For a few years we've talked about buying LSU gear for the whole family, but never have. Some fans we are, right? Well, in September, we finally made the plunge and did it.





While football is exciting and all, I'll have to say the highlight of September was my parents' visit. Since we moved to Colorado Springs in 2004, they have made it out at least once a year to see us.



Not sure I've known another grandma to be in as much love with these two as this Grandma is!
Okay, maybe Grandma Susie!





Ryan didn't know what to do with himself. Just the thought of Grandpa and Grandma coming for a visit had him exploding with excitement!




Grandpa took Chloe to the park every single day, sometimes more than once.


I was so happy to have captured this tender moment. Chloe and Ryan certainly love their Grandpa Roy.


We love you both! Thanks for coming!

And since we're talking September, I may as well throw this photo in too. Here's my brother, David with Neil and the kids at Cheyenne Mountain Resort, where David had a gig the last weekend in September. After his time there, he came and stayed with us for a couple days. I wish I'd taken more photos, but I guess I was just too excited to have him around to even think about it! We watched football, ate sushi, explored, and just had fun together! Chloe can never get enough of her Uncle D, and this visit proved to be like any other.



Here are a couple more random ones...


The kids entertaining each other before church


...And us on Logan's blessing day! One of my favorite family pictures to date.

So there you have it! September 2009!

An Anniversary wish...

Before midnight hits, I just have to quickly congratulate my amazing parents, who celebrate...

...are you ready?

43 years of marriage today!

Just look at these adorable children, who wouldn't even exist if it weren't for you!



I say you have a lot to be proud of! We love you both and hope your day has been perfect! XOXO.

Flashback Friday

Here are my wonderful parents as kiddos.

I couldn't resist since these photos go so well together!

I saved these onto my desktop a few weeks back with the intention of using them in a 'Flashback Friday' post. I never got around to that post and then forgot about it and these photos all together... until today, when I discovered they were still sitting on the desktop! And so, here they are!

Something else I discovered on my desktop today is a file containing a handful of Ryan's newborn photos, which I'd planned to put into a slideshow but never got around to doing. I am so grateful! Those are probably the most valuable to me of any of his photos! I am still keeping my fingers crossed I get ALL our photos back some day.