Fall Break Kick-Off

The 1st quarter of the school year has surpassed the last as the longest - its probably because we have been in school since July 22.   I have another post started but last week was crazy so it didn't get done but this weekend was so good I have to start now and then work back. 

Taylor received her patriarchal blessing Sunday (9-29) and she asked Loren and I to attend.  Now in my day it was just me I don't remember my parents being there and they said they weren't, Loren says he was alone too, so I was excited to be able to experience this with Taylor. She also invited Kyley, we left the boys outside to run up and down the street.   ( Actually  I was a little put out I know shame on me, Taylor had her recommend for nearly 6 months but she never made the call, then within the first months living up in Flagstaff she makes her appointment.  I told Loren man why couldn't she have gotten hers while lived under our roof and we didn't have to drive 3 hours to be with her... ) Loren said Julie it will be worth it and he was right.  After the blessing I knew why she waited and that she needed her blessing at that time not 6 months sooner.  I felt humble to be in the same room as Patriarch Webb became the mouthpiece for this personal "scripture" for Taylor.  The spirit was so strong and I am so thankful to be the mother of this beautiful girl with a so much promise and potential.  


After the blessing we met my parents at Village Inn where they treated us to lunch (it was the annual Goodman hike rim to rim adventure.)  I think that was the motivation we needed to make the trip up to the Canyon.  I love that place!
We walked, laughed, joked, held hands, snapped pictures, looked at the switched backs, saw elk and marveled at the beauty of the earth - I can so clearly see God's handiwork as I look at the Canyon.  I just felt complete having my family around.  Taylor is rocking it at NAU getting good grades, made good friends, bonding with roommates and working hard at Barnes and Noble and I am so happy for her but in moments like these my kids are still "small" and it's just our family (I know a little selfish )but I love love loved it. 

Ty and Wyatt encouraged by Loren .. crazy kids.

Spring Break 2013

I love spring break and this year Loren had the week off so it was even better, although my kids are growing and they were busy off doing church stuff.  Taylor and Kyley went on the trek with our old stake Wednesday - Saturday.  Here they are all dressed ready to go at 3:15am Wed morning.  They were placed into "families" with a ma and pa and all their stuff were placed in a handcart and they had to walk and walk and walk with only breakfast in their bellies.  The first day was the toughest day, then they were fed well and had games and devotionals, testimonies and down time.  Taylor talked about the "women's pull" and how it showed that they could do hard things, which is good timing because the Tuesday before Taylor officially enrolled in N.A.U. and will be going off to college in fall - which will be a hard thing.  Kyley was surprised how much she bonded with her family 9 people she didn't know but now consider friends.  We didn't have stuff like this when I was in young women, I was glad they could experience it and they both came home with a greater appreciation of the pioneers and the sacrifices they made to further this church.

While the girls were away the boys (and I ) played.  We took a southern Arizona trip.  We drove a huge loop, we first drove through Florence and the desert was so pretty with forests of "teddy bear cholla" they really looked fluffy and cute, blooms on cacti, so many wild flowers and the desert was so green.  We drove to Tucson, St. David, (we did not stop at the cemetery and look at all the Goodman names as my parents suggested we do, they were disappointed in us.)  We  stopped and spent some time in Tombstone, it was a neat town.  Ty liked shooting, Loren has taken us all out a few times and Ty is really liking his guns and he did well. I liked learning about the history and seeing the town how it must have been over a 100 years ago.  Someone recommend we continue south and take in Bisbee, AZ.  now the boys were a little burned out but I loved this town.  When you drive in it takes a while until you hit the "down town" and it feels like you have stepped back in time, it was eerie and no one else was on the road, there were a few locals outside eyeballing our truck as we drove through "their" town.  When we finally hit down town I was impressed how cool it was.  Here was this town carved out of the mountains with so much history.  I could have stayed longer but it was late, most stores were closing up and we needed to find a place to stay.  So we headed to Wilcox, AZ.

We found a Holiday Inn with a heated swimming pool and free breakfast and stayed the night.  The boys swam that night and the next morning before we took off to Safford and Mt. Graham. Wow what a sight, we started in the desert and by the time we got as high as we could the boys were playing in snow.  I wish I would have brought snow clothes, I wasn't thinking actually I was thinking southern Arizona and snow did not even cross my mind.  It was beautiful with running creeks and pine trees, we saw a deer running along the side of the road and hardly any people, it felt like we had the mountain to ourselves.  Loren had stopped and got some sticks that make good walking sticks and the boys sat and carved and smoothed their sticks.

We headed home through Thatcher, Pima, San Carlos Indian Reservation, and Globe, outside of Globe we stopped to shoot, we had been there before with the family, and again the desert was absolutely beautiful. (These pictures are taken President's Day weekend) 

 

We  needed to get home so Ty could get ready for a scout camp-out/temple trip.  He was not super excited to go since we still feel like we are new in the ward, but he went and came home happy. I wasn't sure where they were going,  I was a little worried but Loren said back in the day they didn't have cell phones and he survived, so I figured no news is good news.   Come to find out Ty hit all three temples; Mesa first, then up to Snowflake spend the night camped out, then to Gila Valley and did baptism for the dead in all three.  Our Ty did a lot of driving this week. I am so proud of him.  

For nearly two days Wyatt was an only child, we saw Oz on Friday and Saturday morning I went to my parents house and hung with Dyan, Karrie and Matt so good to see family. Saturday night everyone was home and it felt so so good as we gathered for a family prayer to all be together again - and we were only apart for 4 days man when my kids get all grown up and I don't see them for weeks, what am I going to do??  

Catch- up...

October came and went, then November came and went and what the heck it is December - shame on me... I woke up and I am pretty sure someone stole a month from me, I think it might have been October and that week of beach camping... anyways some documentation is better than none right.

 Ty turned 12 on October 27th and got ordained a deacon on the 28th, I cannot believe I have a Aaronic priesthood holder.  He looked so handsome in his suit and he is making friends in the new ward. After he received the priesthood, my mom and dad, and the Augustin's came over for steak dinner, it was so low key and enjoyable, I sometimes wonder why it seems we need to have an excuse to have the people we love over.  The first week he was to pass the sacrament he woke with a massive migraine  (they have been coming more and more often I don't know if it is the weather, pollution or his "changing body" hehe),  the next week was the state stake conference so he didn't pass until the 18th of November.  He was so nervous because he wasn't sure of the procedure but we got to church early and one of the deacons took him under his wing and showed him the ropes.  I am so proud that he takes his duties serious and he performs them with reverence and respect.  I love this boy of mine.

Taylor went to her senior homecoming, she went with Brandon Perez her boyfriend at the time, now he is just a friend that is a boy.  She looked gorgeous and she had a good time.  She has been busy applying to colleges and for scholarships   She has been officially accepted to N.A.U. with $3500 a year guarantee she is certain that she will be able to get more, I hope so anyways, she is carrying a 5 AP classes and a "just" human biology and getting straight A's hopefully the money will come.

Kyley turned 15 and a half and Loren took her down to DMV to get her permit, but I forgot you need your SSN and I don't have my kid number's memorized so she was not able to get it. Kyley was bummed but we will get it soon, I need her driving by the time Taylor leaves for school.  She is also rocking the straight A's. She has her 5th hour class right next door to my class so I get to see her every 5th hour, I love it.

Wyatt is Wyatt, I ask him about his heritage report and he tells me  "you know what's weird " I love it when he starts off like this... He says "right after I gave my report a kid that was just a MINOR friend gave his and then we started talking and now we are those kind of friends"  I am thinking so Wyatt promoted this kid to the "show".  He then explains the rules of friends, " There are 5 levels of friends, you got ONE best best friend, a few best friends, lots of minor friends..." you get the idea, love this kid's thought process.

Other highlights, Halloween, it was in the middle of the week so no major celebration, Kyley & Taylor went to friends house, I took Wyatt  trick or treating.  Ty met up with friends from the ward, they both got lots and lots of goodies.

 Goodman reunion - November 11th Grandpa's birthday and the first year both Grandma and Grandpa we not there, I am sure they were smiling down at their posterity.  This was the first reunion, because when they were alive it was a birthday party.  I love seeing all my cousins it makes happy.

The "Big 4" Uncle Steve (US) Uncle Jim (Bishop) Aunt Katrina and Dad

 The girls - Laura, Karrie, Mom, Me and Dyan

Thanksgiving - November 22nd (too early)  came and went - I have so much to be thankful for.  We ate at my parents house first then on to Loren's moms house.  I feel so blessed to have not one but two great families.  We changed our thankful list tradition a bit to where we sat around the table drinking our "wine" (apple cider) and just saying what we were thankful for.  The rules evolved to where when one said something the rest had to say something that started with the same letter, no repeats allowed, family, faith, freedom, friends... My favorite was mine, I said VACATIONS now everyone had to say something that started with V - Wyatt -  vi... something you know a one hump camel, (start laughter) Kyley  - Voldermort, Taylor - Vermont Ty - I can't remember, Loren - Valiant warriors.  It was a fun time.

All the Goodman Grand kids except Ryan (the oldest) he couldn't make it

 Mission homecoming - November 28th - Kendall (our nephew, Jody and Kurt's only son) came home from Africa.  We were at the airport and then over to his house Thursday and Friday.  We are the closest to the Augustins and it was so so good to see him and hear his stories.   I babysat these kids when Loren and I were first married now they have kids of their own.   His church homecoming is Sunday and I look forward to hearing more.  Life is good.

Beach Beach Beach

 

 We hit Carlsbad Beach again this fall break and it was wonderful. Loren had the entire week off, the weather was nearly perfect, the company was great what more could we ask for? The boys and I went to the beach every day Monday - Saturday we had a storm on Thursday, pretty bad, Loren and I were at Sports Authority getting another awning when the kids called, I guess a huge thunder cloud hit the campsite, blew over our huge 20xbig white awning,and our umbrella and was dumping water. The camp host said he looked out over the water and saw a "twister" said it was crazy, we hurried home cleaned up, ate soup, the sun came out Taylor and Kyley hit the outlet shops for some shopping and the boys and I hit the beach. 

 

Tay, Ky and Wyatt hung out in their tent alot Kyley was reading Harry Potter #7 so she was engaged in her book, it is a good one so I understand.

 The Ricedorffs joined us for the fist part of the week, they left on Wednesday, Dyan asked if 8:30am was too early to be at the beach, the answer is a definite no.  One of the days Ryan borrowed the camp neighbors surf board and gave lessons to whoever wanted to try, it was awesome to watch.  Ty got up, looks like a pro, Taylor got up for a split second  she needs a little more work.

Kyley, Kate, Taylor and Ella my big girls played with the little girls so much

 

Jay and Wyatt the best of friends and not one fight - success!

 

Jake and Ty - the water was a little cold but really not bad.

 

 

 

We woke up each morning pretty early, ate bacon, egss or donuts,  took a walk, maybe a little long board until it was time for the beach.  Taylor looks like she belongs here.

 

 

Taylor and Kyley went to Knott's Berry Farm with the Browns, we asked Wyatt if he wanted to got and he said he had enough at Sea World and Ty said "I'll try."  I thought I am not spending money if they don't want to go - Taylor and Kyley were mad, saying "you ruined it for us.."  Uncle Steve and Aunt Cindy had extra room so they included Taylor and Kyley and guess what we did - yep the beach.  Wyatt was a liitle bored and was complainign a bit, I told him there are 365 days in a year and we get maybe 10 to spend at the beach so get your suit and lets go.  He was there 5 minutes until he was in the water "body boarding" playing the game with Jay where when a wave comes they just plug their nose and gets flipped around - Dyan and I call that getting hit by a wave, but what ever floats your boat.  I played in the ocean more than I have in a long time, the water was "warm" for California I gage it by how long it takes to get in the water, only a few minutes.  The waves were great made for some good boogie boarding, I wiped out at least once each time I went in and I have the bruises to show for it, but it was so much fun.

 

Kyley just missed a wave -she is so cute

 

 



Look at that wave - it was like this everyday- Friday being the best, Ty and Afton were pros, posing trying to do 180's it was fun to try to keep up.

 

 

The last night there was Barrett's 14th birthday so we all went to the park.  When we got there there we were greeted with a banner "Siar Geata of Amtgard" ?? There were grown men running around in reniassance like costumes "jousting" and acting out "fights" we laughed and sat down to watch.

 

 

 The only picture of Loren and, I look how handsome he is and how tan we all are, the tan will fad fast but the memories will last.  I am a little sad because next year Taylor will be in college, hopefully she can make it for a few days .  Loren asked, "how many days until your get tired of this"  I can say not after 7 (but it was nice to dress with dry feet after your shower.)

 Goodbye beach - until next year!

Family

I have thought a lot about family lately and how thankful I am for mine... but since we have moved our internet is hit and  miss (it drives me crazy since Loren works for a communications company and we would get the best for free if only they came out to the "country" ugh - I digress) 

Couple of Sundays ago Loren wakes me with a Diet Coke and the Sunday paper, I love love love reading the Sunday paper slowly, not just the headlines, but we haven't had it in a couple months.  I think I have made a passing comment here and there but I did nothing about it - Loren did and what a wonderful cool morning, sitting out by the pond sipping my Diet Coke reading the paper.

Then last week Taylor was staying with my mom while my Dad and Matt were hiking the canyon and as I drove into school alone it hit me and hit me hard I only have a few short months until I no longer get to ride with Taylor in the mornings thank goodness I still have Kyley for a couple of years.  I love riding to work each morning with my girls, I love walking into school after we have been laughing or dodging rain drops, or singing songs or gossiping I love working where my kids go to school. 

I love ALL my family, my immediate, husband and kids, my mom, dad, brothers and sisters, in-laws, my extended family of aunts uncles and cousins.  Last week my Dad, Matt, Dyan, Jeremy,Kelli, Mike two of his kids Bryant and Tanner, Jodi ,Jimmy,  Willy and  Luke  all hiked the canyon, I have yet to make the 24 mile rim to rim hike maybe one day but I doubt it - anyways last week my dad had trouble making it out, dehydration set in and he actually had to be air-vac out.  It was a scarey 24 hours not really knowing what was going on, Taylor was staying with my mom so  I drove out to be with them.  If we weren't' worrying about my dad it would have had fun, but what amazed me was the support from everyone, Matt and Jeremy stayed with dad and as dad laid in the "hospital" bed at Indian Springs 4.5 miles from the top, Matt and Jeremy got the hard ground outside, I didn't hear them complain but rather comment how cool it was to be able to sleep in the canyon during a full moon.  Uncle Jim and  Aunt Diane "happen" to get a room, (I am sure the Lord had a hand in all this)  Jim hiked 4.5 miles to check on dad then 4.5 miles out while Diane drove around for at least an hour looking for the heli-pad. Text back and forth from family members I actually talked to every one of my siblings that weekend.  I am sure many many many prayers were said as he made it out just fine with a story to tell. I am just thankful for family, I guess that is what it is all about.

Sea World - July 9-12

While I was at my AP conference 8 hours a day, Loren and the kids spent it at Sea World, they got 7 day tickets and spent 4 low key mornings exploring Sea World, I was a little jealous, but I loved hearing about their adventures when I got home. I guess Sea World had some new rides Wyatt and Ty were a little stressed to go on them but they did.  I am so proud of them, this ride was Atlantis and I love love love the facial expressions on all the kids especially Wyatt (I think he is ready to cry) and Loren just cracking up -  this goes down as a classic in my book.  They got to see all the shows, all the animals, they rode all but one ride even,the Bay Side Sky Ride heck they even spent time in the Sesame Street area enjoying those crazy rides - he he.  I am so glad my kids had this time with their dad and that they got to experience while I got to re-learn all about derivatives :)

In front of the shark teeth - heck that shark could almost eat them all in one bite.

Hanging with Shamu!

The Polar Bear - they all loved this exhibit.  I guess he caught a fish right in front of them, Loren said it was so cool, they were the only ones around at the time.

 I love the pictures where the kids aren't posed, you get he real them .

No screams on this ride - unless they are all faking it. ps - Wyatt is standing right here while I type and he said "Yeah I was faking it I was scared at first."  

California 2012

I was asked in April if I wanted to attend the AP Calculus conference in San Diego  - well although four 8 hour days of calculus sounded like a blast, being that close to the beach yet so far caused me some concern -  like will I be able to focus?  Then I found out I was the only one in my department  going so that meant I did not need to share a hotel room which meant I got to bring the family and make a vacation out of it.  I am pleased to say that I was able to focus (most of the time) and I refreshed my knowledge of calculus and Loren and  the kids partied it up during the day.  My only rule was the family had to be rested enough to do something else at 4 when I got done, and they obliged.  Here we are  on the last day of the conference, Loren and the kids met me at USD campus to eat lunch and walked around.  University of San Diego is a private Catholic university and it is absolutely beautiful, the grounds should be with a $50,000 a year tuition.  Taylor was in heaven, I told her we only have to win the lottery, her grades are already good enough to get her in.  We met a USD student and she said "everyone is on scholarship at least $20,000" well a $30,000 tuition is much more reasonable (sarcasm).