Victory

I can think of EVERY reason why my heart aches for my son Taylor...but I won't today.
I can picture EVERY piercing in his nose, lip, ears and other places...but I won't today.

I can tell you the boys you see wearing their baby sisters jeans,

that barely cover their thigh was probably Taylor but who cares today...

Because today I received this in the mail....

Yeap, for a soon to be 18 year old, not having a job, receiving trauncy notices from school, not living at home since May, wearing smaller jeans than Jordan can wear, no drivers license and doing things I don't want to know but do received straight A's and one F! His Advanced Creative Writing class is replacing the Language Arts 12 requirement. Taylor should graduate!

I am enjoying this victory...

I Love Tanner...

This bundle of joy has grown up to be a great young man. The past few weeks I have enjoyed our disagreements, laughter, sincere conversations and love we have shared. He was ordained a Priest a few weeks ago. His blessing was comforting and the message was on service. Tanner and I had a few moments of "heated" disagreements and I was moved to tears with his gentle reaction and how he chose to resolve it. I LOVE watching him grow up!

A few of my favorite memories...

1-When Taylor was 4, he would collect snails and watch them race.(Hours of entertainment!) He would name them and take great care of his family of snails. One afternoon, Taylor had just finished lining up his snails and Tanner (he was 2) ran over and stepped on every snail!!!

2-When I gave birth to Tanner...it was the most pain I have ever felt. Wasn't one of my favorite memories but I clearly remember when they handed him to me and he looked so unhappy.

3-Tanner rarely slept, a favorite time was when he would finally crash from exhaustion on the floor around 2:00 am and I would sneak in, wouldn't dare move him, but would lay next to him just to feel close to him.

4-Parent Teacher Conferences...favorite time for me, as every teacher always has something odd to say about him. "How do you keep up with him?" or "He is an old, grumpy soul in a youthful body!"

5-Kindergarten...he would only wear blue jeans, Hane's white t-shirt and black penny loafers without the penny. We still have one black shoe in his room.

Finally, (some of you may not find this appropriate but it still make me smile)...Tanner was preparing sacrament and he made smiley faces on the bread, so when the Priests were ready to break the bread, they were reminded to smile. I noticed the Priests had a funny grin and asked Tanner, "What did you do now?" He responded, "I reminded them they needed to smile!"

Sea of Humanity

I enjoyed being a part of history. I watched President Obama inaugural address from my bedroom and loved learning the interesting facts from past Presidents.

The sea of humanity was touching.

I did not vote for him but I am encouraged and have hope.

A few things I don't understand...

Seriously, was the hat necessary!

I recalled one of my last conversations with Dad was about President Obama. I don't know who he would have voted for, but I have full confidence he would have enjoyed this day.
However, not Aretha's Hat!!!

Who is Sadie Hawkins???

One of my dear friends from high school did some research for me concerning Sadie Hawkins...

"Sadie Hawkins Day, an American folk event, made its debut in Al Capp's Li'l Abner strip November 15, 1937. Sadie Hawkins was "the homeliest gal in the hills" who grew tired of waiting for the fellows to come a courtin'. Her father, Hekzebiah Hawkins, a prominent resident of Dogpatch, was even more worried about Sadie living at home for the rest of his life, so he decreed the first annual Sadie Hawkins Day, a foot race in which the unmarried gals pursued the town's bachelors, with matrimony the consequence. By the late 1930's the event had swept the nation and had a life of its own. Life magazine reported over 200 colleges holding Sadie Hawkins Day events in 1939, only two years after its inception. It became a woman empowering rite at high schools and college campuses, long before the modern feminist movement gained prominence. The basis of Sadie Hawkins Day is that women and girls take the initiative in inviting the man or boy of their choice out on a date, typically to a dance attended by other bachelors and their aggressive dates. "

Little did she know, her lack of "courtship" has lead to decades of desperate young boys praying a girl would ask him out to the dance!!! Pleased to know they don't expect matrimony after the dance!!! Thanks Suzy Q for the information...

Sadie Hawkins

This is new for me in Utah...we never had this at Novato High! Sadie Hawkins is a girls choice dance. The girls ask the guys and from what I understand pay for the event. Couples match and dress to the theme. Last night after the gymnastic meet, Tanner came home late. We heard some noise outside and then the doorbell rang. Tanner found this outside...

inside the hand cuff was the girls name...it took him a while to find out the name.

and this is how Tanner responded back.

Who is Sadie Hawkins???

Red Rocks

Over the past year, Cordero has been willing (with a wonderful positive attitude) to attend the sports activities that our family is so involved in. He has sat through enough baseball games starting with the Bee's and countless East High School games. I know him well enough that I can tell his voice changes when I suggest another game to attend. He is supportive to cheer on his foster siblings and try to understand the sport. He even attended a Utah football game but only lasted till halftime... Cordero has adjusted to our loud family gatherings around the TV to watch football. He is learning more about baseball and football...however, Friday night it was our turn to support Cordero in his love (obsession) with gymnastics! That kid has every routine, scores and stats memorized of most high level gymnasts! His knowledge of this sport is almost scary. Cordero has never attended a meet (I think that is what you call it). Friday was the opening night of the 2009 Utah gymnastic team. I found tickets for Cordero to invite his friends but no one had interest to attend. So Jason, Jordan, Cordero and I caught up with Taylor for dinner then headed to the Huntsman Center. Cordero was so EXCITED!!!

I was impressed with a few things...the atmosphere is what I love about living near the U. Full of red and school spirit. They had cheerleaders, grandpa shouting out cheers, the band, mascot and fireworks. I was impressed with the crowd cheering on UCLA especially when the girls fell. I enjoyed being in a warm building, snacking on kettle corn and watching Cordero light up! Jason's expression was not quite the same but towards the end we both had interest in this sport. Fortunately, it only last for two hours and we stayed for the entire event. Throughout the event, the kids were texting friends and I believe more will join Cordero for the next meet.

Tanner's Birthday Cake

De and Jordan spent all afternoon making Tanner his birthday cake!

It was quite good!!!

Sweet 16

Tanner turned 16 today!

He is spending it with Jason and the boys in our ward. Last night they went to a friends cabin (no TV, they had to listen to the game on radio!!!). Last month Tanner took his permit test. He failed it the first time then turned right around, took the test again to pass with 95 percent! It's still scary driving with him but he can't take his driver's test until he earns his eagle! By that time, he should be a terrific driver!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TANNER!

13-0

Nothing More Needs to be Said...13 is a Beautiful Number!!!

What did you do for New Years Eve???

On December 31st, Tanner went skiing but spent most of the time waiting for a bus. After a few hours, he called for me to pick him up and he ran a few errands with me. I know he loved this time with his mother!!! He stayed busy calling friends and texting girls to make plans for New Years Eve. The last thing he wanted was to spend it at home with Jason and I! His plans were changing by the minute but eventually he was off with his friends...

After spending some time with Taylor, which I didn't ask what he was doing and I am afraid to find out what he was doing...actually, I asked and he was "hanging" out with friends, it might be better not knowing what he was doing but happy to spend an hour with him! As for Jordan, she skated and then had plans to have friends over but nothing worked out. Once I came home from driving Tanner to his adventures, Jordan and her sweet friend, De were off to her house. Jason called and said he was coming home. Just Jason and I!!! We went out to dinner and he rented a new game...Once we were home, I thought...this is how it is, just Jason and I. Good thing I love that man!!! During this time, Tanner continued to contact us, negotiating how late he can stay out and settled for 12:45 am. I was quite pleased finishing up some loose ends, Jason playing PS3, Jordan and Tanner were safe and Taylor at least knew I loved him!

However, with in the next few hours, Jordan was home and Tanner called asking if we could pick him up at 11:00 pm! What, they chose us!!! Our wonderful children wanted to spend the New Year with US!!! Absolutely not, but their plans changed and Tanner, Jordan, Jason and I counted down the seconds to a hopeful, joyful, exciting New Year!!!Oh, looks like we are having a wonderful family moment...This is after I told Jordan to get Tanner for the count down. Tanner came in our room yelling at Jordan, Jordan barked back, Jason rolled his eyes and I gave the motherly lecture! Ahhhhh, welcome 2009!!! Still happy to spend it with my favorite people!