Raising Flowers and Skids

Happy Birthday Robbie!

Posted on June 15, 2018 by Leah

It’s someone’s birthday!!

Woo Hoo!!

I normally write a happy birthday post and list the # of things I love about them according to their age. While there are many, many more things I could list than his age, that would mean I’d have to spill the beans on how old this guy is, and I think he’s getting a little sensitive….

Which is absolutely ridiculous, because 1) he’s not old, and 2) it’s such a gift to get old!

It does kind of suck that his birthday is always around father’s day and the temptation is to morph into one celebration. However, we do make sure we try to keep the celebrations separate (it’s the gifts that get smooshed together!)

It’s really a Robbie extravaganza weekend – with a dinner date with his “hot wife”, as he likes to call me (see, I can start listing things I love about him already – like he is always so loving and affectionate and expressive), then a picnic dinner with the kids the next night (when we have them all), followed by our traditional father’s day.

Let the celebrations begin with 10 things that I adore most about this guy! (And I just want to say, all the things I love about him, the kids love about him too! I think that says a lot when your teenage kids agree on all the same positive traits!)

He is super super smart. And knowledgeable. He knows everything. And if he doesn’t know it, he can find the answer pretty quick!

He can fix anything and perseveres until he does. He’s our go-to problem solver. The other night our dishwasher broke. He worked all night on it and finally around 11 I said I had to head to bed, as I was sooo tired. He wanted to stay and figure it out… which of course, he did. And rolled into bed around1:30 am having done it. And the best part? You never hear him complain about it. Like, ever. I would be yelling and screaming in frustration. Not him. Even Steven. Which leads me to my next point:

He’s Even Steven. Super calm. Level headed. He is a rock. We know who to go to in an emergency, or when panicked, or when we need some sound logic (that is until he blows, then watch out. But we all sort of like seeing that too because it happens so rarely, it becomes like a case study for us all to watch and analyze!)

He’s a relationship guy and such a good listener. He’s super good at his job, and at being a husband, and at being a Dad/Stepdad because he listens, and tries to understand and see the other person’s perspective. He tries to relate to you on all levels.

He is super kind and compassionate. We all know he’s the softy in the house (until he blows, then my crazy seems like nothingJ) He just is a genuine nice, nice, nice guy.

He is an amazing role model to our kids. He teaches the boys how to be men, and teaches Zandra what to look for in a guy. I truly pray that all our boys will always look to him as the role model. I know they do now, and it would be so wise for them to continue to do so.

He is a father extraordinaire. There is never anything he won’t do (well, unless he feels it’s not in your best interest, but it’s never for selfish reasons). He drives everyone everywhere, without hesitation. He helps with schoolwork and projects. He stays up late at night for pick-ups or conversations. He plays sports, video games, watches movies and will engage in whatever any kid wants to do with him. He worries about them, prays about them, and will spend hours and hours and hours talking and teaching, nurturing and guiding. He also knows how to have fun with them and not take it all too seriously (He’s tolerant and mindful that teens can often be obnoxious and goofy, and that is part of the growing they need to do).

He’s a super awesome husband. He prioritizes our marriage and me. He tries to remember all the small things (and does a good job too!) and certainly is on top of the big things. He invests in our relationship and in our life. He really does treat me like a Queen, and I so love and appreciate the full equal partnership we have.

He has an awesome sense of humour. He knows how to have a good time. He makes us laugh and will join in the laughter. He can be goofy, and he can entertain.

He brings the Spirit into our home and I love how he learns and grows and tries to become a better person.

There are so many more things I can say about Rob: he’s patient, he’s a hard worker, he’s committed, he’s curious, he’s loyal, he’s darn hot, he’s an artist, he’s a poet….

Suffice it to say, he’s pretty incredible and we are so blessed to have him. Today, we celebrate all things Robbie!

His birthday dinner picnic:

Presents:

Not sure where our cake pic went?!? He has chocolate cake with pecan tarts on top:)

Happy Birthday McHottie!

xox

Quote of the Week

Posted on June 10, 2018 by Leah

I was so saddened to hear about Anthony Bourdain’s death:(

In the same week as Kate Spade, as well.

I guess it goes to show that people, even famous people, who look like they have it all, can be suffering within and feel there is no way out. I hope, at the very least, that these tragic deaths can shed some light on the help that is out there and the stigma can be removed from seeking this help.

In tribute to what Anthony Bourdain brought to the world of food and travel (even to my personal world, having walked in some of the same steps he did, and tasted some of the same food he did), I thought I’d post a beautiful quote from him:

Adventures in Idaho

Posted on June 5, 2018 by Leah

So they say disaster + time = great memories.

And isn’t university life all about making great memories?

I think so.

Although it’s hard having Gabe so far away, and we miss him, it’s pretty fun to watch him spread his wings and experience adventures on his own. We have seen him grow tremendously over the past couple of years – and it has been awesome!

A big downfall is I don’t get a lot of pictures of him. I end up just documenting “big events” and although we hear about the ins and outs of his days, I’m not able to snap a random pic (although that’s harder with everyone as they seem to be coming in and out the door faster than ever!)

On the weekend, I heard Rob on the phone and it sounded like he was giving some “car mechanic advice”. Right away I knew it had to be one of the kids, and most likely by what I was hearing it had to be Gabe, calling from Idaho, or Zach (Zach was off at a cottage with friends).

It was Gabe.

He was on his way to Jackson Hole for dinner with his girlfriend (Shannon) his roommate (Jospeh – who by the way, is such a nice kid and makes me laugh so hard!) and another friend (I think it was a double date).

They were driving in Joseph’s really really really old Subaru Loyale Wagon. This thing is old. When we were there last month, it had a mini break down, but Jospeh somehow salvaged it and had it up and running in no time. They often use it to boot around town.

But even I knew that this thing would be very risky to drive to Jackson Hole – (about 1.5 hours away).

I’m pretty sure that that they knew that too. But, hey! They are invincible!

So…. about 15 minutes outside Jackson the story unfolds about a little engine that thought it could, but couldn’t and chugged and chugged and eventually had to come to a standstill when they realized that it no longer had any BRAKES!!

Seriously.

So began the long, drawn out journey of trying to get the car fixed and get these kids home. I’m not sure I can write all the details as they were a bit confusing to me, but they involved: a lot of phone calls to Rob (who knew he knows so much about cars???), delivery of brake pads that don’t fit, trying to figure out how to change them on the side of the road, ripped pants, a helpful person named Angel (pretty ironic), a date that abandoned the scene, another kind roommate that came to the rescue, and a smart girlfriend who insisted they not get back in the car to head home (but rather drive back with the other roommate – although I’m happy Joseph made it back ok, under no condition was he to be driving anyone else with him!). I’m guessing that their day also involved a lot of prayers and I vaguely recall some bad food too….

While in the midst of all the phone calls, I told Rob to tell Gabe to take pictures! While it was a stressful situation, one day, they would look back and laugh and he’d be happy that he had documented it all! So here, is their day in pictures:

Home sweet home. We were quite relieved when he texted to say they were all home safe and sound. We were also happy to talk to him the next day and get the full blown details and see how it had already been turned into a great story and a great memory – and hopefully a great learning experience….

It’s in the Genes

Posted on June 2, 2018 by Leah

Josh was only 4 months when my dad died 15 years ago this month. My Dad held him in his arms a few times during those months, although often quickly handed him back to me because that sweet boy of mine was a screamer:)

Anyone who knew my Dad knew he was two things: a talker and a walker.

I’ve always known that Zach’s gift of the gab was a direct result of being my son, and of me being my father’s daughter.

Most teachers who called me over the years called because of their concern about Zach’s “talking.” I would let them know that I understood where they were coming from, and would discuss it with him, but politely also say that while he needed to learn to curb his talking at inappropriate times, I also felt that his talking would serve him well in life (as it did me – hello, Speech Pathologist). They kinda laughed at that, but I wasn’t joking. This year I think he is slowly learning when to keep his mouth shut, but I actually appreciate a chatty (almost) 17 year old!

Josh, is also a talker to some degrees. He’s certainly not a talker in the morning, nor ever on the phone. Even his texts are “non talker texts”. You can occasionally catch him being chatty when you drive him to soccer – so I like to do that as often as I can. Funny though, teachers still comment on his “social talking” so it’s definitely in the genes somewhere.

But Josh is also my walker.

It can be pouring rain outside and I can offer him a ride and he will decline.

He will always prefer to walk to a friend’s house, or walk to appointments.

The other day I wasn’t ready to leave to take him to his soccer practice and he decided to walk (although it would take him longer and he would end up getting there after he would if he just waited for me to take him).

Rob then told me that Josh had told him he liked to walk everywhere, because he said, “I like to think while I walk. It relaxes me.”

Just like my Dad.

I love when little things come out like that because even though my boys never got to really know my Dad, there is a part of him that is alive and well in their genes, and that makes me so happy.

I also like to think that he perhaps is walking along with Josh and enjoying the company of his grandson:)

Quote of the Week

Posted on May 21, 2018 by Leah

“Find the One Percent”

So many things in life can really, really suck, to be honest.

There are many thing that are unfair, unbelievable, debilitating, gut wrenching, heart breaking etc.

It’s hard to see any silver lining, or any good that can come out of some situations. They are 100% terrible.

But – if only we can think of them as 99% terrible, and search for that 1% where we can learn something, see a positive, an upside or a benefit. Then, we can take that 1% and grow from it. It can help us get through trials, help us find some peace, maybe even help us discover meaning.

Or maybe it helps us be grateful for the many other things that aren’t all bad.

That 1% will not jump out at us. We need to actively seek it, search for it and be determined to find it. Then we have to focus on it and nurture it and help it grow. It may never grow past 1%, but sometimes 1% is just enough to get by and change everything. Go find that 1% in every bad thing that happens (and rejoice in anything more than 1%!!!)

Mother’s Day

Posted on May 14, 2018 by Leah

I was thinking that when you have teenagers, you can rename Mother’s Day, “Revenge Day”.

This morning Rob got the boys up early so they could come and “cuddle with me” as we have in years past on Mother’s Day (and of course every single day for years and years when they were littles. )

s they resentfully got up early and climbed in bed to wish me Happy Mother’s Day, I decided to role play what it was like when they were little, and I wanted to sleep. I poked, prodded, pulled, breathed heavily, sighed and constantly imitated them with “Mommy, Mommy, Mommy… move over, I’m hungry, I want to get up, come with me, let’s play” etc etc. ). Josh was trying desperately to go back to sleep, but finally succumbed to how funny I was being and started laughing. We then shared some memories of a time that seems so long ago in many ways… but thankfully so easy to recall. (The days are long when the kids are little, but man the years are short.)

Who said revenge isn’t sweet? Certainly not a mom with teenagers…. it was a fun morning for me.

Rob had bought some brioche from our fave spot, I got some sweet little gifts and cards (and new shoes:)) and some awesome calls and texts from the rest of my gang who are with their Mom/or out at school.

We went to church and then came home for a quick lunch.

We headed out for our traditional bike ride and enjoyed the sunshine.

The Park we bike to was super packed so we couldn’t go on the swings and teeter totter:(

Perfect way to end the day with sitting outside in the backyard, watching a few of my favourite shows and a yummy Giorgio’s meal of my favourite pastas.

Note Zach trying to sneak some and Rob swatting away:

I have been truly blessed to have been surrounded by some incredible mother examples to me. My Granny, who I often think of her strong character and the legacy of strong, determined women she raised. My mom, who is a true example of love and service, and who is the biggest cheerleader for both me and my kids. My sister in law, who paves the way on how to raise these teens, and is doing a phenomenal job with my nieces and nephews. And my many girlfriends, all of whom share in the joy and struggle of motherhood in various forms, but who beautifully juggle all their other roles, callings and ambitions.

I have also been blessed to have a full partner in crime. There’s no other person I’d rather spend every second with, and no person I respect and admire more. I count my blessings hourly that Rob is my eternal companion.

To my flowers and skids: you are my light. You bring me my greatest joy and my greatest pain:) You guys push, pull, tease, and teach. You make me laugh so hard, and you blow my mind with your talents, creativity, hard work, perseverance, compassion and wittiness. You amaze me with your wisdom and your spirits. I am truly honoured to be your Mom and Smom.

Melanie & Garret’s Wedding

Posted on May 6, 2018 by Leah

My beautiful eldest niece, Melanie, got married last week. It was the main reason we headed out to Utah (and then were able to squeeze in Tanner’s mission call, and of course, spend a great weekend with Gabe up at BYUI).

She married a really great guy named Garret. We got to know him a bit before the wedding. We got to know him enough to know that they are a great match and he’s a very solid guy.

They were married and sealed in the Draper temple. It was a beautiful, sunny morning. Here’s a bunch of pictures after the ceremony:

My youngest niece, Ellen, who tried to run from me taking pictures of her! (Unfortunately something went askew with the flowers… they were supposed to be pink – as Mel’s colours were pink and green. Somehow they all ended up this coral/peach/orange colour. They were stunning flowers, but not quite the colour that was ordered!)

My nephew Drew who is just the nicest guy! (And Ellen hiding behind flowers!):

The bride and groom coming out of the temple:

Melanie, surrounded by her siblings. We sure missed my other niece Abby, who is serving a mission in Vancouver, Washington:

With the grandparents on both sides:

And grandmas on Mel’s side:

With Gran (my Mom):

Mu brother’s whole family (with Abby there in spirit – she is the sunshine):

Melanie & Ellen:

Melanie & Andrew:

Melanie & Tanner (who was just called to serve in the Peru Trujillo South Mission and leaves Aug 29th):

My beautiful sister in law, Judy, and Melanie:

My brother and Melanie; hard to believe he now has a child married!

Both sets of parents with the bride & groom:

The wedding party:

After the ceremony, we went for a beautiful lunch, but I guess I was too hungry so didn’t get any pictures! It was mainly family and close friends (90 people!!) and was really nice.

Both fathers gave a little toast. Garret’s Dad gave some awesome advice: he talked about love being the feeling, and when the feeling is there, it is great, and awesome and easy. But love, the action, is more important; it’s when you have to choose love – those are the most important times in your marriage. When maybe the feeling is not so readily available, but you choose it anyways. That’s the kind of love to always have in your marriage – the kind you choose. Loved that advice.

We then headed on to the reception. Judy did a beautiful job preparing it all:

It was at a golf course so we got the most amazing views and sunset:

The younger kids off playing:

The cake: (so good!!)

First dance, and then father/bride and mother/groom dance:

Tanner and his girlfriend Brooke. She was such a sweetie as she got my sister (Auntie Di) out dancing with her:

Lots of dance moves:

The bouquet throw:

Ellen was thrilled to catch it!

The send off! It was so pretty with all the city lights below the golf course and then the sparklers! Such a cute send off!

Amazing day for an amazing bride & groom. So happy we were there with them!

Happy Birthday Alexandra!

Posted on May 4, 2018 by Leah

We are still in Utah for my niece’s wedding, but today is Zandra’s 17th birthday!! We will miss spending it with her today, but will celebrate when Home this weekend!

It’s hard to believe this beautiful gal is 17!

She continues to grow into an awesome young woman and we are so proud of her!

Here are 17 of the many many things we adore about her:

1. Her sweet sweet smile:

2. Her absolute beauty – inside and out 3. Her willingness to do selfies with me 4. Her love of her siblings

5. Her absolute commitment to her friends:

6. Her willingness to do things that aren’t always her favourite!

7. Her exceptional dance talents 8. Her amazing artistic abilities

9. Her love of her daddio

10. Her mad makeup and nail talents 11. Her ability to just sit back and enjoy beauty

12. Her goofiness and sense of humour

13. Her ability to lead and be a good example 14. Her fun spirit that makes all girls trips fun! Love to do these trips with my girl! 15. Her love of animals – especially Reggie:

16. Her amazing hugging skills. They make you feel so good!

17. Her sweet spirit that shines and everyone sees it (even Brad Wilcox picked up in it! )

It’s an honor and a joy to be her Stepmom!

Happy 17th Zandra-B Sweet Pea!

Bonneville Salt Flats

Posted on May 3, 2018 by Leah

We decided the next day to head out on another little road trip: to the Bonneville Salt Flats. They are about 2.5-3 hours west of SLC, close to the Nevada border.

I just thought they looked beautiful in pictures I had seen, but Rob was interested as they are famous for land speed records (highest speed you can go in a vehicle on land).

So off we went.

Into the middle of nowhere.

Not sure what this is:

But it was so cool and beautiful when we got there!

You must excuse the excessive amounts of pictures. But when you drive this far to take a few pics, you want to make sure you get as many as you can!

We headed back, grabbed some lunch, and then went to hang out with my family:)

Visiting Gabe at BYU-I

Posted on May 1, 2018 by Leah

We woke up early and were glad to be halfway to Rexburg so that we could get there early to meet up with Gabe.

We met him at his apartment, met his new roommate, and then Gabe’s girlfriend, Shannon, joined us.

We decided to do a quick Walmart run, before heading out for lunch.We had some tasty burgers at “Freddie’s”.

It was a hot and beautiful day, so we wanted to be outside. Being in this part of the US, guns are pretty big. As Canadians, it’s really not our thing, and it’s not a culture we understand (or necessarily agree with), but Gabe wanted to show us what a typical activity is: heading out into the yonder and shooting some guns.

We went to the designated spot, and bumped into a guy who was super excited about guns and had a whole table spread out with all sorts of guns. He was very eager for everyone to try his “toys”. Bizarre to me. Truly, bizarre. (He’s not in the photos… the other guy who is helping everyone out is Gabe’s lovely roommate).

Anyhow, everyone took turns shooting a few different guns. I have to admit, I even tried. I said I might as well cross if off my bucket list (not that it was on, so I would have to put it on first, then cross it off). It was fun to be outside and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.

We headed back to the hotel, and then Rob and I took a quick snooze.

We drove into Idaho Falls for dinner, and after contemplating various restaurants, we went to the Olive Garden. Gabe was reminiscent of the only other time we had been there several years ago when we were staying in Williamsburg on our way to the Outerbanks. After a nice dinner, we headed back and just relaxed and talked in Gabe’ apartment.

Sunday morning we decided to go to church in Shannon’s ward (congregation) as it had an earlier start.

I wanted to get some pics of these guys dressed up:

We decided to head north to Mesa Falls to go see the falls. I had actually seen them back in 2007 with Zach and Josh when we had gone to Yellowstone with my family.