Frozen or Fresh...Jordan Loves the Water!

Jordan just loves water...it can be frozen water in the ice rink or sea water from the ocean. She just can't get enough of the water. We arrived Tuesday evening and she competed on Thursday. She placed 4th and made it to the final rounds. She skated well despite almost missing the event...we were stuck in traffic and arrived 10 minutes before her warm up. It was a little tense but all we remained calm. The officials actually thought she had withdrew. She will skate her short program on Saturday and her long program on Sunday. Cordero competed today and skated very well! He came in 2nd place with his short program and will skate his long on Sunday. After skating, (since Jordan kept nagging us) we went for a walk on the beach.

Changes

Well, here is it...a recent photo of the kids. Taylor joined us for dinner Sunday and Monday night. He is respecting our rules to remove his lip and nose piercings, tight clothes that don't cover his butt and to keep his hair out of his eyes while in our house. I miss him, REALLY miss him and glad that he spends a few evenings with us. His life is not easy right now but it's his choice and I will continue to love him unconditionally and have a safe, warm, welcoming home when he is ready to come back. I am grateful school is important to him and he is eagerly attending his senior year and reconnecting with family. Meanwhile, I didn't realize how much Tanner has grown until I saw this photo. He is now taller than Taylor and wearing 501 button fly jeans...I think they are coming back in style! OH PLEASE DO!!!

It was just a year ago my Dad was here in Utah visiting us. I can't believe how much has changed for Taylor and our family. Despite all the changes one thing has stayed a constant...our love for those three kids.

Back to School

School started early for Tan Man...He decided to take early morning seminary, just in time for Dad to drive him before work! As you can see, Tanner is thrilled, actually rejoicing. I am very excited for him. He has a great year ahead of him!!!

Next, was Cordero...good luck sleeping in with Tanner and Jason getting ready first. He started his first day at East and has a crazy schedule. Fortunately, he is improving his driving skills with our Trooper (stick shift) and in a couple weeks should be driving himself to school (and running errands for me!)

Finally, Jordan...she will start her last year of middle school and wearing school uniforms!!! Seems like my house is now empty with school starting. OH NO!!! Once Tanner is dropped off, Cordero is dropped off, Jordan is dropped off...then I pick up Cordero for a two hour break in between classes, drop him back off to school, pick up Jordan from school then return to pick up Cordero from school, then off to the rink (all this before 12:30). Of course it will ease up once we start a routine when we return back from LA.

It's a Small World...

For the past four years, Jordan skating boots are custom boots from Harlick. Breaking in new boots is often a struggle and can cause great pain and frustration for many weeks. We are fortunate to have the feet that Jordan has and the custom boots from Harlick. Together they are a perfect match. A few years ago, we sent Harlick (Phil and Ginger) this photo thanking them for their terrific service. They found Jordan's website and from there Ginger located Carin Davis who took the photo (below). Carin is an old high school friend from California. I received a comment from Ginger that was a wonderful surprise. She flew out to Utah to attend one of Carin's fabulous photography classes. I, at first was jealous that she spent the entire day with Carin and her sister DeDe but then amazed at what a small world we live in. Thank you Carin for being so talented and willing to share with others and Thank You Ginger, for the incredible service and precious care you offer to Jordan's feet!!!

Last Nights of Summer Fun

After a hot day, the warm breeze feels great at night! The youth in the neighborhood came over to finish out their last summer nights watching a movie outside in our backyard. Some of the finest, most incredible youth are in this photo! Just love them all...

Cordero, Jordan and Jihyun spent many hours baking a cake and decorating for a friend who is heading off to college in California. They also did a fanastic job cleaning up...

Cordero's Double Axel

I don't think many understand to the full extent the amount of physical and mental endurance it requires in figure skating. The opportunities are incredible and the traveling is fun and exciting but the training is exhausting!!! It's days like these that make all the difficult ones worth it. The look on the skaters face when they land their double axel for the first few times is purely rewarding. It proves to us having Cordero relocate and train in Salt Lake City was the right thing to do!!!

Jordan's Short Program

I finally updated her website with a few new photos. Jordan competed over the weekend in our local competition. She skates at the Intermediate level and has two programs (short and long). During competition scores are added from both programs. The summer is almost over, one week left!!! Cordero and Jordan will attend school for one day then we leave that night for LA to compete at the Golden West Competition. No time to think it will slow down! It's almost time for Regionals...

Skating, Skating, Skating

The past few days have been hectic!!! We had our local competition and test session. Jason was busy announcing, Jordan was competing, Cordero was trying to adjust to the altitude and Tanner had his bike stolen! It never slowed down and unfortunately Jason and I missed the "Petaluma Reunion Party." I wanted to visit with old friends from Petaluma who were gathering in Utah. We thought we could squeeze it in Friday evening but I didn't leave the rink until 10:30 pm and Jordan had to compete early Saturday morning! Big disappointment and I hope to find another time to visit! Meanwhile, Jordan skated her short program Friday evening and came in 3rd. On Saturday, (EARLY SATURDAY MORNING) she skated her long program and came in 1st and placed 1st overall. She had a great time AND I finally purchased new photos for her website!!! It will take a few days before I update her website. I plan to sleep most of Sunday! Cordero also skated his short program but not his long. He is still trying to breath and adjust to the altitude.

Since De's mom, Teddie and I pulled in the long hours for this competition our kids were also helping us and stayed many hours with us! They were terrific, doing anything we really needed from posting scores, carrying food, cleaning up, finding people, playing music, etc...we all had a very LONG day on Saturday. After the competition we then hosted our test session.

They also found time to be silly!!!

Registration...already!

BIG NEWS...Cordero is back!!! We had a few minor changes the past week...Cordero decided to continue his training in Salt Lake City! After a few weeks of planning, Cordero arrived with two large suitcases last Tuesday. He plans to attend high school with Tanner. Our family is very excited to have him spend the rest of the year with us! No time to adjust, he quickly began training and helped out for MANY hours at our local competition (even skated his short program!). Crazy week staying up late watching the Olympics and early mornings registering all 4 teenagers in high school and middle school.

Taylor is still not home with us but staying busy with work. We miss him so much and just wish he can make better choices for himself. I was relieved to see him at school registration. He plans to continue his senior year. I wish I could post a recent photo but it's scary. He has changed so much!

Tanner will start his sophomore year and is taking a honors English class. He looks forward to start his drama classes and the school play. He was disappointed when he received his schedule and he was not enrolled in yoga or ballroom dancing...instead Spanish! He plans to attend early morning seminary everyday, instead of regular seminary during the day every other day. This allows him to take his Spanish.

Jordan is tagging along with all her older friends. She too registered for middle school. Jordan will continue taking core classes and leave school early. She seems to be pulling rank among Tanner and Cordero...she better watch out, they may team up on her!

Time with Cubby and Meagan

Before we left on Sunday, Cubby had a baseball game at Sonoma State University. It's a great league for players 25 and older!!! I was very impressed and it was a great game to watch!!! You may notice, his team is called the Nationals, but Cubby refuses to wear the team hat! Among all the San Francisco Giant fans on his team, he wears his lucky LA Dodger hat...Way to go Cubby. The team also calls him Nemo...they think that is his real name! Cubby has one arm shorter than the other, similar to one flipper hence the new nickname was created from an old baseball team! I suggested a Nemo patch on his sleeve but honestly, he will always be Cubby!

Cubby's team won their game!!!

I also enjoyed my time with Meagan. We were able to share some mornings together. I love talking with her. She attended the Luau with us and Desmond always called her as "Mrs. Cubby!"...(Cubby, this may be a hint)

Fantastic Time!!!

We had a fantastic time, spending the weekend with family and friends! Friday night we attended the temple with the McQuoid's. It was wonderful to be back in Oakland. I loved the fog and cool air after leaving the temple doors. The view of the city on the temple grounds is breath taking!!!

After the session, we walked around the temple grounds and took pictures. It was a great time to meet Mary's new in laws! We then ate dinner in Emeryville, where Jason use to work many, many years ago. Jason is with Kathleen on the temple grounds.

I am so lucky to have a great friend like Kathleen. She has been around many of Taylor's broken bones, parties, funerals, Girls Camp, Young Women activities and Women's Conference. We ALWAYS have fun together!!!

The Luau...

Mary and her darling soon to be husband are getting married next week in Idaho. The family chose to have a "Pre Reception Party" in Petaluma. Desmond and Jason spent many hours cooking the pig in the church BBQ pit. It is a fun tradition. During the Luau, we reunited with many of our old friends from Petaluma and members in the San Rafael Stake. It was wonderful to visit!!! I did not take any pictures of the pig...I thought it really smelled!

A terrific moment was spending time with Karen Sullivan Freemantle. She is an old friend from high school. It didn't take long for us to share old stories, giggle and act silly. We have known each other for quite some time and have the best memories of Girls Camp and growing up together! Karen and I had no problems finding trouble in our adventures together...

I just love these ladies!!! The flood of memories and the complete joy and laughter we have shared in the past is a great gift! Each one of them have a special place in my heart. They are truly one of a kind and I am a better person for knowing them!!!

Road Trip to California

Jason and I safely arrived in California, Friday morning. Jason drove the entire trip and through the night. Once we arrived in Petaluma, we were greeted by Cubby and Meagan. Mom is still in Italy with Aunt Sam. Cubby and Meagan are watching the dogs and house sitting.

Speaking of the dogs...Ajax was very excited to see me and would not leave me alone!

I was very tired when we arrived and a little bit emotional not being greeted by Dad. Dodgers are playing in San Francisco the next few nights and I noticed a new photo of Dad surrounded by his mitt, "Fernando" baseball and LA beads...THINK BLUE!

Jason quickly teamed up with Desmond McQuoid to work on the Luau for Mary's Pre Reception Party. While I was getting ready to attend a session in the Oakland Temple, I still had red nail polish on my toes, well three of my toes and it was on 1/2 my toenail. I couldn't use the nail polish remover because it would ruin my manicure, so I asked Cubby to help me. He was happy to do so!

It's Time to Say Goodbye...

This is four of the ten most beautiful, amazing, talented, intelligent young women I have served. I will DEEPLY miss them!!! Fortunately, I still have a few more activities to spend with them this month. I just love them, each one of them! So now it's time for changes...the Bishop released and sustained me in my new calling. And with much gratitude and RELIEF, I won't be torturing any primary kids... instead I was called to teach one of my favorite subjects...The Book of Mormon! I will be teaching Sunday School to the 14-15 year olds! What an incredible time to finish out the Book of Mormon study and begin the Doctrine of Covenants next year. I may have lost the Laurels but gain a terrific group of Mia Maids and Teachers...which includes TAN MAN!!! This will be a first for me, teaching Tanner. I always felt sorry for those that had to teach him because he can never hold still. Oh well, I will bring him crayons and connect the dot papers of the Nephites, Mormon, Gadianton Robbers, Lamanites, Gold Plates, Captain Moroni and Helaman to name a few.

Fun in the Sun

Tanner's nose is blistering, Jordan's shoulders are sore and my arms itch from all the mosquito bites! After church we spent most of the day getting ready for the week. Jordan returns to training...we have another busy month ahead of us! Next stop will be a SHORT but fun trip for Jason and I. We are leaving this week to California (driving with no kids!!!) to spend time with one of our favorite families, the McQuoids!!! Mary is getting married and we are getting ready for a huge luau in Petaluma.

"Be Nourished by the Good Word of God"

We have a fantastic youth group! We are a small group for living in Utah but have the most incredible teenagers. It's a tradition each summer to spend the weekend at Bear Lake. The youth and their leaders stay at a member's cabin right on the beach. We are also fortunate to have many members with boats and we spend hours on the water!!! This year our theme was "Be Nourished by the Good Word of God." The first night we meet in groups (Beehives and Deacons, MiaMaids and Teachers, Laurels and Priests) I was the leader for Mia Maids and Teachers. Our group name was "The Golden Plates" and our theme was "Serve the least, Eat the feast." All groups had a cooking challenge. We had to draw for a method of cooking (stove, grill, dutch oven) and a course of meal (main, dessert, side dish). Then you selected the items you wanted to use to cook your meal. You were judged on group effort, creativity, clean up, use of method and food items. After surfing, wake boarding and tubing all day the kids gathered to work on their meals. Tanner instantly channeled into my Dad and created the most amazing grilled pineapple, drizzled with honey and lemon juice served over Vanilla Bean ice cream with banana slices and melted chocolate, topped with a marshmallow man. Our group worked so well, I just observed. I also enjoyed watching Tanner teach the other youth his grilling skills and cutting a pineapple.

I have been fortunate to serve with the youth for what seems forever and it's still not enough. Since I graduated high school, my callings are always with the youth. I did spent 6 miserable months in primary in 1998. It was awful and I almost stopped going to church. They didn't like me and I didn't like them. I felt like a fish out of water!!! I knew after that experience my records had written in bold red pen and highlighted with a yellow marker, "NEVER TO SERVE IN PRIMARY!" So while I was enjoying yet another wonderful experience with the youth at Bear Lake, the Bishop wanted to speak with me...WHAT, I can't be getting a new calling!!! I have only served with this group of youth for over 3 years! After the kind words of my service and dedication I have towards the youth, he said the words, "It's time to be released..." I placed my hand over my heart, gasped and hung my head down low...I asked him if he was sure. He said yes. I asked him if he has reviewed my records that state in big red bold letters "NEVER TO SERVE IN PRIMARY!" or that little children give me hives!!! He laughed. I asked him to give me a minute before he tells me it's time to serve in primary. I took a deep breath, said a silent prayer and looked up at the bishop. My heart was racing and I was getting prepared to offer my cheesy, fake smile when he said the words "PRIMARY"...As he began to offer me my new calling, I could hear the youth calling for me, I could see some playing in the water and others gathered around the fire pit. Oh how could this be, why now! He offered the great wise words from a Bishop, "We would like you to serve in the....." oops, not sustained yet! It also may take a couple weeks. Just wait and see! (I am being released and I did offer my cheesy, fake smile!)