The New Generation is Born

 

   HAPPY BIRTH-DAY JACKSON!!!

Time is amazing.  One day you're holding your first niece a few minutes after she's born...and the next minute, it's 23 years later and you're holding HER son a few hours after he's born.  My niece Sarah (and Joel) are the proud new parents of Jackson - 7lbs 10oz and 21" long.  Such an adorable, perfect little baby boy with long feet and hands born early this morning.  Kristi texted us throughout the night with updates and it was hard to sleep in between.  Later this afternoon, after giving them some time to sleep and rest (hopefully), I went up to the hospital to meet my new GREAT nephew.  As I was driving there, I realized what a blessing it was to have him come before Christmas - while Great Uncle Steven is here and Aunt Alli home from college for another week to enjoy him.  I also thought of how grateful I am that my dad was able to be around to become a GREAT grandpa.  He's so cute with the newborn grandkids (and now great ones) - always holding them for the first time singing them their first song (Tiddly Wink) and giving them their first patriarchal interview and words of advice.  Such a special sight and blessing - he was thrilled to be able to hold him and was so tender with him. 

My parents are now GREAT GRANDPARENTS - so weird.  But even weirder still - my sister is a GRANDMA!  Holy Cow!  I'm not even sure how to process that.  She and Gary have decided to go by Nana and Papa.  So weird!  Steven and I were talking about the names of our roles - parents turn into grandparents, then great grandparents.  But aunts and uncles skip the GRAND stage and move straight to GREAT.  Interesting concept.  Now it's a title, not a compliment or adjective!!!  I'm so proud of Sarah - Kristi said she did great - it wasn't easy and she hurt her tailbone (just like her mom did with her...it must be hereditary!)  She looked happy and at peace, but a also overwhelmed and tired, as did Joel - daddy!    I'm excited to watch them develop into parents - I think they'll be great!  And I'm thrilled to be able to hold a brand new baby - something I absolutely LOVE and CRAVE to do...

Jackson R - long feet and totally cute!

A Breath of Air

Well, I've come up for air...it's day 5 of winter break and I am LOVING it.  It's funny how this break comes JUST at the right time...for everyone!  One more hour on Friday would have pushed us all over the edge.  A crazy week full of parent-teacher conferences (only had 1 no-show) and loose lesson plans.  Friday was just a "craft" day - projects, gift-making, drama club play, etc.  We teachers were absolutely exhausted come the end of the day. 

I have to say that I was especially excited for the end to come because I jumped into Carolyn's car (I drove it to work) and went to pick her up from work and we headed to Covina, CA for an IKEA shopping trip.  Yep - a 4 hour drive just to go to IKEA (and Crate & Barrel).  It was a great drive, singing Christmas songs at the top of our lungs, stopping in Victorville for dinner (on my 3rd grade teachers - gift card), and then making it there in time to do a quick run through before the store closed.  Our hotel was practically in the parking lot of IKEA, so I asked for a room with a "view."  Comfy cozy night chillaxin' and enjoying the fact we were out of town - great night's sleep - and yummy breakfast before heading in to shop around.  It's funny I get so excited about IKEA - it's more the novelty of it than anything else.  I love looking at all their ideas and creative stuff.  After about 2.5 hours there, we called it quits and headed to a local mall for some more window shopping...really only enjoyed a pretzel at Auntie Anne's (my favorite) and then escaped the crowds.  We headed over to Rancho Cucamonga to a cool outdoor mall (like Town Square or The District) to find Crate & Barrell - again...we just love walking around that shop.  After perusing through a few other shops, we decided to get on the road...the clouds were hanging low and the rain was starting to fall.  We had to drive carefully through Cahoon Pass, but then it pretty much cleared up after that.  We stopped in Victorville again to eat dinner at Farmer Boys and then again in Barstow for some Thrifty ice cream.  Just a cone this time, not 2 coolers full to bring home!  No room in the car...  It was a great quick trip - one that really got the break started well.

The next day I went to pick up Steven from the airport with Katie.  We had dinner at Kristi's to celebrate Alli's 21st birthday...I can't believe it's been 21 years since she was brought home in a cute little stocking!  Now Sarah is going to have a baby within the next 2 weeks!  Crazy how time flies. 

I attended the Zion's Youth Symphony and Chorus concert Sunday night - it was PACKED.  I noticed the surname of 2 kids in the program and wondered if they were the kids of an old boyfriend.  Yep - sure enough, I set eyes on S.S.  for the first time in 20 years.  It was then that we had spent Christmas together at each others' homes and were falling in love.  He was to propose on Valentine's Day, but I called it off the week before and decided to serve a mission.  Didn't know about the proposal/ring until a year later when a friend sent me a card in the MTC telling me that she had gone ring shopping with him.  Whoops!  He was a great guy - very musically talented - and really cute.  We looked good together.  It just wasn't meant to be.  Anyway, I got a little gitty seeing him and told a few friends I was talking to.  I never did make eye contact with him or talk with him - I felt it would be inappropriate in some way.  It was just a funny coincidenc...the other is that my bishop is going to tune his piano in a few weeks.  Talk about a small world!

Steven and I spent Monday shopping around and deciding what gifts to get for family members.  We decided to go in on gifts together since that's how the rest of the 'couples' do it.  It's just more fun for us that way.  We're breaking our annual traditions this year - branching out so the families can have their own Christmases instead of ALL of us at my parents' home for Christmas morning (we've done that ever since Kristi got married 26 years ago!).  I'm feeling pretty OK with that - Kristi's family needs to start their own, seeing as they will become the grandparents this year.  Change is always weird, but ends up good.  The family is growing...slowly, but growing.  Last night we all went out to dinner and that was fun.  We've had fun over the years as siblings...

Today, after an intense class at the gym, I headed to the doctor to see what this growth thingy on my foot was.  S

he decided to drain it - it was full of THICK gel...called it a 'ganglious cyst' - if it comes back, I may have to have it surgically removed.  Let's hope it doesn't!  It got really big and was getting painful wearing shoes.  After that, I met Steven over at Emily's to make her famous sugar cookies.  Alli and Katie came over and helped decorate them.  Then Steven and I wrapped most of their kids' presents while Emily and Corey went delivering cookies to ward members.  It was kinda fun.  Then the 4 of us went out to eat tonight.  Good times. 

40 years in review

Here's a little insight into my evolution...just for fun. 

These are a FEW of the pictures in the LIFE video Carolyn made me for my party!

I was born in Turkey...Yep - you read it right - Turkey.

Then moved to California and then Texas for 6 years.

Been in Vegas since age 11.

Will probably die and be buried here....

What am I thinking here?

Are you sure that's me?
What a look!

My first Glamour Shot!

Such an athlete..so young!  I'm told I wore my
patten leather shoes with my uniform...

Emily and I with Charlie

Emily and I at Halloween

Emily and I on my birthday in Texas

Could the glasses GET any bigger?

Ain't we a cute family?

oops - out of order.  Oh well. You can pick me out.

Sarah - the first niece - is born in Oct.

Senior Prom

College best friends - Chris, Lance, and Deanna
All RMs now!

More college friends - Scott, Sadie, Dave, Darv, and Carrie
Camping in AZ

My gal pals in college - Deanna, Carrie, and Sadie

The day I was released as a missionary -
so skinny!

To be continued...maybe!

FORTY and FABULOUS!

Happy 40th Birthday to ME!

I had one of the most incredible experiences of my life thus far!  On my 40th birthday, more than 75 people showed up to celebrate with me in Amy's clubhouse...traveling through hurricane winds and cold weather.  Carolyn said I needed a celebration for ME - and since I wouldn't throw it myself, she took the bull by the horns and sped off.  My mom and sisters put on a yummy spread, Krissy R made the most incredible "Ace of Cakes" I've ever had in my life, Shan made the cute invites and prizes, Amy O had her cool camera ready, and we were all set up for a great night.  I was so overwhelmed at the turn out - people I hadn't seen in YEARS came.  Even Sadie drove down (in the above-mentioned weather) from Cedar City to celebrate with me.  Friends came from across town and from down the street.  I'd never in my life received so many gifts and cards before - how incredible the whole thing was.  I have some of Carolyn's pictures to share while I'm waiting to hear from Amy.  Thank you to ALL who came out to play with me - it was so fun to see some of my circles intertwine - all evening I heard, "YOU know Robyn, too?"  I m not sad at all to turn 40, in fact, if they're anything like my 30s, I'm in for a treat!

I was so glad my dad was able to come - he
looked so handsome!

Me and my mom - we look a lot alike...except she has
hair and I don't!

My sisters - always have to do a Charlie's Angels Pose!

Carolyn - my party planner/travel friend.  She made my whole day!

The AMAZING cake - an old travel trunk suitcase with
stamps from all the countries I've been!

The detail was amazing - we probably took 100 pictures!

Some of my Priest friends - Linda (Peru trip), Dawn, and Carina
I miss those ladies - and the others who came!

My Amber.

My niece, Sarah, and my new great nephew...
due any week now!

My Kari, my Carolyn, the cutest Tara ever!

One of Carolyn's cool games...

The game continued...

My boss and her husband came - I was so surprised!

Pictures everywhere - even a cool slideshow to some of
my favorite songs (thanks, Carolyn and Mom!)

Ah, My Amy.  Always the cut up!  She must have set her
really cool camera down for a moment to GOOSE me!

Best birthday ever! 

Adios THIRTIES

As I close out another decade of life, I am reflecting on how totally awesome my thirties were.  When I think about how hard it was to turn 30 and not be married, I found myself determined to buck up, wipe off the disappointment, and make the most of my 30s.  And THAT I did.  Here's a few things off the top of my mind:
1.  I bought my first house.
2.  I earned a Master's Degree.
3.  I went on my first cruise (who am I kidding?  I went on 3!)
4.  I traveled to China with a group of teachers for 4 weeks one summer.
5.  I traveled through 6 countries through Europe with some of my family and friends for 3 weeks.
6.  I returned to China ALONE to study the language for a summer at a university.
7.  I taught for 3 colleges/universities SEVERAL courses (that's how I pay for my travel fun!)
8.  I got the last of my nieces and nephews.  Now on to the NEXT generation!
9.  I spent nights in the hospital with my nephew Ryan after brain surgery - never to forget.
10.  I owned 3 cars...finally sticking with this one!
11.  I remodeled my house (twice downstairs) and painted almost every wall.
12.  I refinished a piano with my dad.
13.  I was introduced to IKEA!
14.  I taught laurels, primary, gospel doctrine, relief society, and seminary.
15.  I was on the Stake camp committee with Music and YCLs
16.  I learned to LOVE to Hike and exercise
17.  I learned to like:  oatmeal, yogurt, jelly, spinach, Havarti cheese, SOME chicken on a bone, and steak.  No such luck with Salmon.
18.  I met some amazing people who are now good friends.
19.  I lost my grandparents.
20.  I met several authors - children's books, James Patterson, and education theory books
21.  I practically ran my previous school - learning TONS of administrative responsibilities
22.  I continued to survive fighting depression.
23.  I learned that I love visiting Cedar City to get away from LIFE
24.  I've seen a butt-load (that's alot) of broadway plays
25.  I've been a district teacher-trainer, a 3rd grade teacher, an ELL specialist, and now 3rd grade again
26.  I've lost and gained the same 50 pounds 3 times...working on losing the next!
27.  I learned to make digital movies
28.  I'm learning to take really good pictures - both of scenery and of people in scenery
29.  I've learned that I am not perfect, never was, and never will be perfect and so get over it.
AND
30.  I hiked for 3 1/2 days through the Andes mountains in Peru to reach Machu Pichu - an experience that is not to soon be forgotten or passed up.  INCREDIBLE experience and I can say that I DID IT and I LOVED almost EVERY MINUTE OF IT.
 
I've learned that life is to be enjoyed, not endured.  This is a lesson I have to remind myself every single day.  There have been MANY challenges - mostly brought on by my over-active mind, but I've learned to appreciate the saying, "Sometimes God calms the storm, and sometimes God calms his child." 

To all those who have contributed to who I have become so far, THANK YOU.  It's been a good ride.

November Highlights

Work Update:

Fall hit my street today

November is almost over and that means only 3 more weeks until Christmas break.  It's been a long, personally difficult trimester teaching every day in a classroom again.  The planning/prep time is horrific (sometimes 3-7 hours a day after work) and report cards and all those comments are lingering this week.  I have been truely blessed to be able to make it this far with the mental anguish I put myself through.  I am not positive by nature, and it's exhausting pretending to be so every day.  My kids are getting more used to me, and visa-versa and some days after they leave, I think..."Boy I hope I didn't damage any of them today!"  I'm hoping they are learning INSPITE of their cranky, ill-equipped teacher.  My school is great, my boss is one of a kind great, and my grade level is always there to offer an idea or resource.  It does, however, feel very isolating.  In my Inca Trail Hike metaphor for this year, I'm just about hitting the top of Dead Woman's Pass, I think!  I was really struggling on Monday and posted something on FB about it...the next day, a bouquet of flowers was delivered...from Amber.  How nice was that???

House Update:

Well, it's 95% done.  The work is done - I just have to finish unpacking a few things and hang things back up on the walls again.  I really like it, especially the kitchen and fireplace.  Yesterday, for Thanksgiving, I actaully cooked in the new kitchen for the first time!  Thankfully, the Saturday before, Kristi came over and helped me unpack/wash the dishes and things that go back into the cupboards.  I had caught a cold virus and had NO energy to do it, or desire for that matter, so she came over and helped me get my life back in order.  I ended up spending the day cleaning out the garage (TONS of white powder dust EVERYWHERE) because every time we came in and out, we just brought more white powder onto the dark floors.  It took FOREVER to wash the floors by HAND (Jessica P came and helped that morning with the floors!) and I was tired of all the dust.  I think I inhaled quite a bit of dust into my already sick lungs, so I ended up in bed the rest of Saturday and all of Sunday.  I had even stayed home from work the Friday prior.  Even now, a week later, I'm still not up to par.  But anyway, I love the way the house turned out!

Time Out For Women


Sadie - one of my BFFs for 30 years
Emily had straightened my hair!



Krystal C-G - my trainer in Guate!

Two weekends ago, my mom and sisters and I went to St. George for the weekend for Time Out for Women.  We had a great time walking around Tai Pan, Krumpets, and of course, Kohls, Down East, and Roberts.  We enjoyed the music and speakers on Friday night and again others on Saturday.  Hilary Weeks was probably my favorite.  It was a nice weekend away NOT thinking about work.  I ran into Amber, Sadie, and my mission companion - Krystal - my first in Guatemala.  That was a surprise! 

Thanksgiving


My padres, taken a year ago.



Yesterday, after working on a new dessert (Magic Bars - recipe on the evaporated milk can) and a new spicy green beans dish, IN MY NEW KITCHEN, I headed over to mom and dad's for Thanksgiving.  Duncans were in Utah, so it was just us and the Wisers.  It was good to have Alli home from college.  It was even better to have my dad at the head of the table again.  As we went around the table and shared what we were grateful for, dad caught the attention of all by getting extremely emotional and personal about his gratitude for my mom in her new role as care-giver and for all of us.  We all couldn't help crying.  It was only the second time in my life that I've seen my dad cry.  The first was at his father's funeral.  It was humbling to say the least.  Family is everything.  We are fortunate that dad is still with us - and hope to have him at the head of next year's table! 

The Gym Chronicles

Since my life has been shaken up and turned upside down with my house torn apart, living between my house and Shan's for a while, school kicking my butt, my own self-torture about not being very good at teaching or even multi-tasking anymore....since all that has taken over, I have NOT been to the gym in about 5 weeks.  I have been eating horribly and not working out and it definitely has taken it's toll on me physically and emotionally.  Today, this morning, even though I'm not feeling 100% yet, I went to Body Pump (mainly because my favorite instructor from the summer was leading it) and I made it through, using lower weights, but made it.  It felt great.  It felt great to be able to blend a protein shake again in my Magic Bullet.  I realize how much working out and pumping iron :o)  increases my ability to cope and my self-esteem and my energy.  I've got to get back on track this month (not waiting until January like most people - I always start after Thanksgiving when it gets hard!).  I have another big hike this June - leading the 3-day full-backpacking 20 mile hike in Pine Valley - as the 4th year hike specialist for our stake.  I think the Lord knows I need GOALS to work towards!  Fine with me!

I have a lot to be grateful for - I feel quite spoiled compared to many others I know.