Engaged!

Taylor is now an officially engaged young man. He will marry Samantha Lyn Harris on December 19, 2015. My son has found his eternal companion, his soulmate. They will marry in the Salt Lake Temple for time and all eternity.

Weekend Company

   I don't like sarcasm when it involves putting someone else down or making fun of someone behind their back. To me, sarcasm is a little more negatively slanted than teasing. I get the impression that some use sarcasm as a defense against low confidence by putting others down; someone who always has to be "right" even though they are definitely not. I love to tease, but if it is hurting someone then it is not funny or right. Some people confuse sarcasm with teasing, but in my mind they are two completely different attitudes. I think it's very sad when a family member cannot be happy for another family member's successes and aspirations. When something good is said about other family members, there always has to be a negative or a sarcastic remark in response while hiding behind attempting to be hopeful for them.

   I've had lots of company over the past 3 weekends. Michael and Kaitlin were here the first weekend. Michael brought Kaitlin home specifically so I could meet her and I like her a lot. I hope the situation moves forward for them.

   The next weekend Taylor came home with Samantha. She is wonderful, too, and perfect for Taylor. They will definitely be getting married and he will officially pop the "question" within a couple of weeks. It looks like they will marry around the 16th - 18th of December. Taylor is head over heels.

   This weekend Jena dropped Richie off at the Mesa airport on Friday and then she and Jackson are with us. It's been fun having Jackson all to ourselves. He's such a happy little guy and is cooing and squealing away at this point. They are going to church with us today. It's been good for the twins that Jena hangs out a bit with them.

   I started back to school at the end of August. After the grueling summer semester and the ensuing 2-week break, I guess it's time I get back into the swing. I have this semester and next semester before I graduate in April and I will never go to school again! :-) Of course I will never stop learning but I definitely won't miss doing homework. Homework assignments and due dates get pretty stressful at times.

   Earlier, on the same evening that I picked Taylor and Samantha up from the airport, I had an incident. I was sitting in bed, waiting for the time to go pick them up (around 10:30 p.m.), and my heart started racing. I tried to calm myself and not panic but started sweating and feeling a little funny - but not dizzy. After about 5 minutes of trying to take deep breaths to stay calm and hopefully stop the racing, I got up and went downstairs to be near the boys in case I fainted or something. I worked at staying calm and paying attention to my body. Dallan found my pulse in my neck and it was beating about 140 to 150 bpm. After about 15 minutes I decided to walk back upstairs. I was staying calm but was definitely worried. I walked slowly up the stairs, realizing that my heart was beating to fast for anymore exertion. Even though I took one step at a time, by the time I got up the stairs my heart was then feeling like it was pounding out of my chest. I sat back down on my bed to try and relax and stay calm. I started doing my homework again and after another 5 minutes my heart suddenly stopped beating so fast. It didn't slow down, it just went back to beating normally. This whole episode lasted about 20 minutes. This has happened 3 or 4 other times within the past year or so.

   I told the doctor about it at my appointment yesterday morning. I had to go in to find out results from blood, urine, ultrasound, and xrays she had done on me a couple of weeks earlier. She decided to run an EKG on me right there in the office. I thought she wouldn't find anything since I felt calm and relaxed during this visit. Unfortunately, the machine found that (in an unconfirmed report) that might have had a myocardial infarction sometime in the past. My heart beats are not normal and she is sending me to a cardiologist as soon as she can get me in. *sigh*

   Over the past 3 weeks I have lost 15 lbs. I am trying to take better care of myself. My stress levels get pretty high sometimes and I know this is not good for me either. I worried about the master's program being too stressful for me but figured that it would be okay as long as I attend to my health. I want to lose quite a bit more weight and also figure out how to chill and not be so worried about every little thing that comes along, including when my children are upset with me. I don't think they realize how much I worry about meeting their "needs" even when I can't because of my own schedule.

   I need to get ready for church - so, goodbye little journal.

Interesting

     Life is very interesting. A person can say or see or hear the very same thing at the same time as others, yet all of these "others" will have a completely different perspective on what they see or understand in comparison to each other. I am listening to a couple of fellow students as they talk about using the word "ma'am". I would never be offended if someone addressed me with this word, but these girls are sounding indignant that anyone would refer to them this way. To me it's a sign of respect or speaking politely. Of course all words can be turned into an insult when used in a specific tone, but generally, I believe it is used out of politeness.

     "Excuse me, ma'am," the boy called out in a quiet voice.

37 Years

   I have started a tradition. As I have already mentioned, today (July 26th - it's past midnight now so this will look like we went on the 27th) would be mine and Erick's 37th wedding anniversary. If he were here, of course we would have celebrated it in some way. So, Nathan, Cindy and I went to a Jersey Boys musical tonight. These are songs Erick used to sing, and I must add, he sang them much better than the cast that sang them tonight.

   After Erick died, it took me several years before I could listen to men's singing voices without crying. So tonight, the main thing I thought about was Erick and his voice. He had a beautiful voice and could have gone professional had he ever decided to, I totally believe.

   So, every year on our anniversary, I plan to do something that we would have done to celebrate it together.

   Happy anniversary, Erick.

The Car, the Anniversary, the Birthday, the Baptism, the Cool Cat

   Yep, so I blew it. We drove to my brother's house and, of course, Emry always serves yummy food, and what did I do? - made a piggy-wiggy of myself and ate potato chips and sloppy joes on white bread! This might not seem like any big deal to anyone but me, but I know what's going to happen now! Tomorrow I'm going to weigh 50 lbs more!

                       

Wayne and Emry did something pretty special for
the twins ...... BOUGHT THEM A CAR.They are so good to us in every way. Of course you know that the twins are in 7th heaven! I don't think they believed it at first. After dinner Wayne sent the twins and Chloe out to go buy ice cream and told them to take the Kia because the "other" car wasn't working right. Chloe drove and then on the way back handed the keys to the twins ... Chloe said the look on their faces was priceless.

It's a 2003 Kia Spectra (newer than mine!) 

   


 On another note - today would be our 37th wedding anniversary, he was 27 and I was 22! Erick and I had a great gift on our 10th anniversary when Michael Ray Jones was born, who is 27 years old today. And there he is (middle), playing a character in one of the church Bible videos :-) .

Happy birthday, Michael!    

And look who was baptized by his daddy today! Brickman!! :-) 

And this is Jackson, the cool cat, in a swimming pool this morning - :-) 

I...Can...Do...This...!

   I have a few moments as my fingers click away. For what reason, I do not know, but my fingers do the walking as I type on this page. But, I don't have much to say, so maybe I will quit writing and go jog around in my backyard before the temperature gets any hotter on this beautiful day. My mind goes flipping through its files as I consider what to do - nope, can't find anything in there to stall what I don't want to do ... but must do ... exercise time .... *sigh*

White Coat Ceremony

One proud mom ..... 

   Tommy flew in over the weekend to support Nathan in his future endeavors towards medical school. The University of Arizone College of Medicine White Coat Ceremony was held on Friday and it was wonderful to attend as I watched my son's face glow with excitement and pride at finally accomplishing the first step towards his dreams of becoming a doctor. Emrie's family, Richard's family,  Tommy, and I were in attendance. The twins were chopping and hauling wood up in the mountains for the week so they weren't there. I was able to meet Nathan's co-worker, Lee, finally. He's been associated with her for about 10 years and would talk about her fairly often. She's been a great support for him. I really like her but, unfortunately, I didn't converse with her much because she was a bit teary-eyed and emotional and I was trying understand her body language and mannerisms for some reason.  

My beautiful family. 

   After the ceremony we ran off to have dinner at the Village Inn since every place else looked booked for a Friday night. It was interesting to watch my family interact with each other as they teased and competed and looked after grandchildren. The family dynamics are pretty interesting at times. I've never heard Jackson cry as much as he did during the ceremony. I believe there was too  much commotion for his tender little spirit. The other grandchildren, naturally, tried to overwhelm him in their excitement of cooing and touching, but Jackson was not up to it and he was very tired. Richard and Jena were trying to shield him which worked for a little bit, but Jackson was needing sleep. There were enough adults around that I decided not to be so possessive and try to keep him to myself. It was Tommy's first time to interact with his newest nephew. 

   Richard is now considered an MS2, which means he's a second year medical student, and Nathan is now an MS1. I am so proud of my children in their educational endeavors. This has been a dream come true for Nathan and I can't express enough how happy I am for him and his family. It will be a long road but I hope he keeps up his appreciative attitude. Our family is continually blessed, over and over again. I am positive Erick is watching over us and joyful for each family member's successes. 

   
 to coo and touch, but Jackson isn't up to too much of that yet so Richard and Jena were trying to shield him which worked a little bit of the time. There were enough adults around that I decided I couldn't be too possessive, and this was the first time Tommy was able to interact with his new, little nephew

 

   

A Heartfelt Mystery.

   On Tuesday morning something extraordinary happened. Two pairs of red, trimmed in navy blue, Lebron special edition basketball shoes ended up at our front door. Hansan and Dallan were freaked-out ecstatic. We have no idea who they came from. I happened to look out my bathroom window in time to see a Federal Express truck backing off of our driveway and I couldn't think of anything I had ordered. I told Dallan to go check the front door in case a package was delivered. Sure enough, there set a Foot Locker bag of brand new shoes. We were confused at first because they were not wrapped in a package for mail, they were only in a store bag with no note or a receipt. I finally decided that someone must be friends with the FedEx guy and he was probably asked to hand deliver the shoes so we wouldn't find out who gifted them to the boys. I asked all of my children but no one has a clue. Man oh man!

Putting two-and-two together, this reminded me of the Wonder Woman socks I received around Mother's Day. They were delivered through Amazon and we never figured out who sent them, and now I wonder if the same person is involved. It has been a big mystery ...
                                 
                ❤      ❤      ❤


All I know is this: Every single day, literally, we are blessed by other human beings. I am humbled and grateful for the love and generosity that surrounds us continually. Whether it be a simple smile, or a lending hand, I am overwhelmed by the goodness and example of human angels who touch our lives. 

Shackled and Chained.

   Tuesday morning. No school, but plenty of homework, unbelievable amount, overwhelming amount. I am chained to my education. Got to keep going. Some don't understand. Why can't you do this or that? Why? Because I am chained to my homework. I am a slave. I have to do it. There is no other way out. It has to be done. I wish you understood. I am doing this for my future, for my children's future. I don't want to be dependent, to cause hardship on someone else. Plus, I want my education even though this is not an easy route. I think of my grandchildren. I love my family. I need more time with them. But, this is the best route not to become a burden. Besides, I have worked hard and hope this is a good example to my family. But the homework, it is there whether I want to do it or not, I have to. Homework. I am a slave. I am bound, chained, shackled, imprisoned, in bondage. I can do it; I will do it. Now. Today. All day. Almost every day.

   Even so, I am thankful for this wonderful opportunity to obtain a masters degree, so keep going.

Sleeping Beauty

   Ashlynn, my oldest granddaughter, is such a lovely, sweet 11-year-old. I've had the privilege of having her over for a couple of nights. Time certainly flies, I remember the glorious day when she was born. I don't care what anyone else thinks, I believe she looks most like her daddy.

   With Ashlynn's help we organized the pot/pan cupboard and cleaned up my bedroom; we colored pictures and in the evening I took her to the theater to see Malificent -- a take off the classic story of Sleeping Beauty. Yesterday I studied in the morning before we went to Emrie's for Masie's 6th birthday, swim party. Emrie actually sat next to me and talked with me. Once the twins arrived home from chopping/hauling wood up in the mountains for 4 days, Dallan played with her in our pool, and then the boys took her with them to run errands (basically, they just wanted to go drive the car). Ashlynn fell asleep while watching a DVD with them so I moved her up to bed with me.

Masie turned 6!! 

   Right now, at 8:30 a.m., Ashlynn is still sleeping as I sit beside her typing this up. I have a meeting at 10:30 with Sunshine Acres Children's Home and I will take her with me. The boys left at 6:00 a.m. and won't get back home from a youth lake trip until 4:00 p.m., at which time I will let them spread their wings and drive Ashlynn all the way home to Maricopa. I will miss her sweet little spirit.

Update: the boys didn't make it home until about 6:00 p.m. last night. They had fun water boarding but Dallan was frustrated because he was the only one that couldn't get up on the board. I think he just needed a little more time to work it out - he's completely capable, for sure. After our meeting with Sunshine Acres Ashlynn asked if we could go to IHop so I treated her to pancakes there. Cindy came and picked her up around 2:00 p.m. and then Ashlynn was suddenly gone. *sigh* Although I was sorry to see her go, I probably enjoyed our time together more than she did. I had plenty of homework to do after she left, but it was fun having her with me for a couple of days.

Sleep Beauty :-) 

Curfews! and You Think You Know?

   A rather humorous situation occurred last night with the twins. Most of my children remember (or should I say, all of my children remember) that I am a stickler when it comes to curfews. The boys went on a triple date to the movies and then to the football field at the high school to play games. Of course, the boys had to be home no later than 11:30 p.m., and they knew not to be one minute late, or else!

   The group was playing at the high school field when Hansan and Dallan herded everyone towards the car so they could get one of the girls home by her curfew at 11:00 p.m. The other guy didn't want to leave but by the skin of their teeth, the girl was home on time. Afterwards, they had to get the other two girls home pronto to ensure that the twins were in by their curfew. By this point, this would be a challenging task.

   So, there I am, sitting in the living room, waiting, at 11:30 p.m.- no boys; 11:31- no boys; 11:35- no boys; 11:38- no boys; 11:40- I finally hear the door open. Hansan came in first acting happy as a lark, as if there's no care in the world, as if he wasn't a whopping10 minutes late; Dallan came bounding along behind him with a happy smile on his face. I mentally made note that both boys didn't seem concerned about the time. Now, look, I realize that 10 minutes late is only 10 minutes late, but in THIS household, 10 minutes late is definitely past curfew.

   I said, "Hm, you are late", and then do you know what miracle occurred? Both boys' phones read 11:28 p.m., so you see, wonder of all wonders, they were not late! Ha ha ha ha ha--imagine that, my computer and my phone read 11:40 p.m. I wonder how THAT happened? Sometimes kids think parents were born yesterday, I swear.

   So, what happened next, you wonder ... well, I let them dig their holes deeper and deeper as they stuck to their guns while I listened intently (alright, I admit it, amusingly is a better word), trying to be the angel mother I was meant to be; this went on for another 10 minutes, and I was quiet as a butterfly as I listened to them weaving their web. Once all was quiet and there were no more words spewing from these two creatures, I said, "Hmm, interesting that your phones are both 10, or should I say, 12 minutes behind all the other clocks in the house, or perhaps, even within the whole world. I mean, maybe your satellite frequency is picking up from martian time zones, unlike all others." At that point, the sweat on their foreheads, which encases their tiny little teenage brains, became very apparent.

   It was rather interesting as I sent them off to bed, letting them wallow in the confusion of does she know, or doesn't she, does she believe us, or doesn't she, is she mad, or isn't she? Then the beans came rolling out of their tiny little mouths with Hansan going first: "Mom, we aren't telling the truth." In my mind I'm thinking, no kidding! But, being the angel mother that I am, instead I said, "Really?" And then Dallan spoke up and proceeded to say that it was just a BIG JOKE. Ooops, we were almost there, but then they go and blow it farther down into the deepening hole! *sigh*

   Both boys said they were on the way home and told the driver about how worried they felt because mom will be upset about missing the curfew, but the driver-friend had an easy solution, just change the time on the phones - brilliant! Of course, Hansan and Dallan thought it an ingenious suggestion and hopped right on it.

   I told them that being late was not good, but lying about it definitely makes it much worse and that I was disappointed in them for lying to me. By this time it was a little after midnight and both boys went on upstairs to bed. I was still sitting on the couch reading 30 minutes later when Hansan came back downstairs looking anguished and repentant. He told me he was very, very sorry and that he wouldn't do it again. Now, how on earth can a mother's heart not soften up to that? It was only a minor thing, and I certainly don't want to make it seem bigger than it is, but the lessons of honesty, integrity, obedience, forgiveness, and repentance are huge for future decisions.

   There's more to this little story, but I will leave it at this. I realize these are two good boys who want to be respectful and obedient and do the right thing. I love them very much, and maybe, just maybe, in the next life I will become that angel mother they deserve .... *sigh*

   Oh, and, teenagers make the world go round! :-)
_________________________________________________

  So you think you know what's really going on? I feel the judgement, the condescending attitude. I try to pretend it's not there, but it is. You assume to know, but you don't.

   Reminder to self: Don't judge others. There is an old saying about not judging someone until you've walked in their shoes, but I say, even if you think you've walked in their shoes, do not judge.

   An example: I was driving down the road in LA many years ago. A guy in front of me was driving ridiculously below the speed limit and I could not get around him; I was in a hurry. After about 15 minutes, to say the least, I was not a happy camper. Come to find out, this guy was a friend, and his wife had just had a miscarriage and he was very sadly upset. Had I known the full facts, would I have felt so impatient? No.

   Another example: A young lady didn't have enough money to feed her kids, yet she always wore new clothes. One might sit in judgement thinking how dare she, she's on welfare, yet she can afford to buy those fancy clothes? Well, come to find out, one of her sisters couldn't give her money to help feed her sister's kids, but she could share nice hand-me-downs that she was given by one of her friends.

   So, really, how do you know what's really going on? And that's not even the point, the point is, do not judge. Please don't help out if you feel it's your right to be judge and jury and bask in a pool of self-righteous indignation as you snit around with your nose up in the air!

   The End.

 

Independence Day 2014

   We had an enjoyable family time for the 4th of July. Nathan's family and Richard's family were here, plus TAYLOR! surprised me by flying in for the weekend as well; it was wonderful to see him and have him near. As Taylor was trying to land the flight was diverted to Yuma for a couple of hours because of a big sandstorm, along with winds, lightening and a little rain - a haboob,  that hit the Phoenix area. It was a beautiful day on the 4th despite the storm on the night before.

The Haboob: No wonder Taylor's flight was diverted for a couple of hours! 

A Milestone

     Another milestone: Hansan and Dallan both obtained their driver's licenses at the end of a lengthy 5 hours at the DMV yesterday. Later this same evening they had fun running out for a few groceries and to Sonic for a milkshake. I also let them drive to a friend's party about 3 miles away and they were back by 10 p.m. I'm sure they are thinking - more freedom!! I pray they use their heads and are wise, safe, and trustworthy as they spread their wings. I'm not happy about the car insurance hike up $500 every six months because of 2 teenage boys back on my policy. Ugh! I suppose it could have been worse.

     Before our DMV excursion, the boys and I played with my grandchildren at Emrie's so she could get a handle on her office organization and a little bookkeeping.

Diet, Day 4 !!

     Well, I started this diet on Sunday-- 4 days down!! I felt a little headachy and loopy during classes on Monday but didn't let it discourage me from plugging through the bod changes that were happening. When I took a quiz that morning I had to read each question 3 or 4 times to absorb it. Yesterday (Tuesday) I still had some brain fog and a little headachy, but it was not as much as the day before. Now it's Wednesday and I am doing even better- not quite as much brain fog and no headache. I am going to lose this weight this time!

Detox Vegetable Broth Ingredients

• 4 large onions
• 4 cups winter squash
• 2 cups cabbage   
• 8 cloves whole garlic    
• 4 cups root vegetable (any of the following: turnips, parsnips, rutabagas)
• 8 cups chopped greens (any of the following: kale, parsley, beet greens, collard greens, chard, dandelion)
• 8 carrots
• 8 celery stalks
• Dried ginger
• Sea salt, to taste

Breakfast Smoothie

• 2 tbsp rice powder protein
• 2 tbsp ground flaxseeds
• 1/2 cup frozen berries
• 1/2 banana
• 1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk

Directions

Blend all ingredients together until you achieve the desired consistency.

The Inevitable.

     Colleen was here over the weekend. We had an enjoyable time together despite the fact that I had an incredible amount of homework due by Monday morning. Thankfully she understood because she's been there, done that not long ago herself, as an older student with teenagers still at home. We managed to make it to the movies one night and neither one of us liked the show even though it was rated into the 80s and 90s by Rotten Tomatoes.

     While Colleen was here, the inevitable happened, or more like one of my worst nightmares. Throughout my life I've always been sensitive about borrowing other people's things, or over-extending a stay, or taking someone else's generosity for granted. And then it happened, I let my guard down; not a good thing to do!! A seemingly innocent situation turned sour very fast. And then it dawned on me, because of what was said, hidden grudges were lurking in the dark behind closed doors. Do not let your guard down again, Lynne.

     The boys and I are babysitting Nathan's dog, Mortimer. He's definitely not the most obedient dog in the world, but he's also not too much trouble, but it reminds me that I don't like worrying about animals peeing in the house so it's unlikely we will be getting our own dog anytime soon. Mortimer follows me around, every step I take, and I allow him to sleep on my bed at night, but while the boys were here alone with him yesterday, he peed on my couch, and then on the tile. When Nathan dropped Mortimer off he said he never pees in the house, but then he peed on our floor while Nathan was still here.  *scream!* 
   

 Jackson is getting bigger ... Richie is so cute with him. 

Surprise!

   I was excited more than I can express when somebody special surprised me with a visit for the weekend! My day could not have been made any better!

GUESS WHO?!!! :-)

   Michael is taking the MCAT right here in Phoenix so he could come for a visit and he purposely kept it from me. I was so happy to see him. We went to two of the twin's basketball games last night and I'm about ready to drive him to his testing site. He will be here for Jackson's baby blessing and then fly back home very early Monday morning. Look at those beautiful blue eyes. They remind me of cornflowers. 

   And look at who is playing Mario Kart 8 with my grandchildren. I miss them so much and it makes me smile to see this picture.

   The twins have 3 basketball games to play today and I have loads of homework. Life never stands still except when I'm working in my yard. :-) 

I Know.

   I shed tears and my heart aches ... 

   my little boy, now a young man.

   What is in store for you, Timothy? 

   Life can seem so hard...

   when you have no idea who you are ... 

   but I know. 

   And you are very, very loved. 

   I will always have great hopes for you. 

I will always believe in you. 

You are treasured. 

You will figure it out.

But for now, the tears flow....

until you discover what it is that I know.

And God knows most of all. 

 

Memorial Day

  Thank goodness there's no school on this Memorial Day, even though I still have lots of homework. My children and grandchildren came over for a swim/ice cream party.

   Timothy called me on Saturday and we had a lengthy conversation. My Timothy, Timothy. He sounded good and is happy that his friend, Nate, is now his roommate. He's a guy Timothy loves to jam with and they seem to get along well. Fortunately, Nate likes to keep the kitchen clean. Timothy's rent is $300 a month which also includes utilities unless they go over $100 and if so, they split the overage 3 ways with the landlord. Nate pays $250 a month because his bedroom is the smallest. When he called he was at the library doing homework. He said he's behind but the professor told him that she wouldn't dock him any points if he catches up within the week. Apparently he's hooking up with Mandy again. She's a girl he liked and dated a lot a couple of years ago. Now she has a child who is about 8 months old. What concerns me is that Timothy is now saying that he feels he's ready to have children. Oh my, my. I told him that he needs to learn how to take care of himself financially before taking on more responsibility. I have a feeling Timothy might have to learn that lesson a different way than what I'd choose for him. *sigh* I love him so much and only wish happiness and success for him. He's got a big heart and is fun to talk with. I miss him. I'm afraid he thinks he's going to be this knight in shinning armor who runs in to try and rescue the fair maiden.

   Dallan has to work today and I'm about to drop Hansan off at a service project. Sick or not, the day goes on.

   OH! And I Taylor is totally smitten.... 

1-2-3, Testing, Testing...

   I have been up since 4:15 a.m. because my stomach is bothering me- has been for a few days. I hate it when I can't sleep, tossing and turning until I finally throw in the towel and turn on my light. No doubt I haven't been eating well and then I pay the price of my own consequences.

   Dallan and I worked in the yard yesterday morning. It's always nice to have a child working along side me while doing yard work. We pulled weeds and watered. Afterwards, while Hansan was at work, we drove to Scottsdale to return the Microsoft Surface Pro 2 I bought in California with Tommy's help; the screen is just too small. I preordered the Surface Pro 3 (without obligation) that comes out on June 20th. I like my own laptop but I'm frustrated with the power cord problem. This is the 4th cord I've had to replace. Samsung really blew it with this particular problem. While at the mall Dallan had fun sitting in a Tesla and playing with the dash computer, encouraged by a salesman, as if we might be interested to purchase a $95,000 car for my teenage son.

   Around 5 p.m. it was time for Hansan to come home and Dallan's turn to head to work. The boys had gone to a girl's house to watch a movie the night before, and then last night they were invited to a girl's 16th birthday party. I dropped Hansan off at 8 p.m., came home, then found out that Dallan was sent home from work early due to a slow night, so turned back around and dropped him off at the party at 8:30. I came home, then drove back to pick up the boys from the party at 11:00 p.m.  In the meantime Hansan kept texting me to ask if they could stay longer and I moved the curfew from 10:30 to 11:00. Of course I said NO when he then asked if they could stay until midnight. I told them to be out to the car by 11 sharp, which, thankfully, they were. I'm a bit OCD about curfew times and I think most of my teenagers figure that out OR ELSE!  Hansan asked me earlier during the day if I realized that they are always the first to leave parties. I informed him that I don't compare our rules to other family rules, and that this is the way our rules have been since the beginning of time in this family, and also that MOST of my teenagers have said the same thing, and even now, it makes NO DIFFERENCE what time the other kids have to be home. He took it in stride but still tested the waters throughout the evening.

 

Love and Respect.

   I started back to school on Monday. I had a wonderful, peaceful time at Tommy's, then flew back into the Phoenix area on Sunday morning. After church the boys and I basically had a lazy day. For FHE on Monday the boys wanted to go see the latest Spiderman movie so we did.

   Which reminds me, Tommy took me to the IMAX rendition of Godzilla. I hadn't been to an IMAX in years. Like a child, I wanted to reach out and touch whenever objects appeared smack in front of my face. I love it that Tommy makes a point of spending time with me. Xiaojun is wonderful, too; she respects and shares feelings and concerns with me. They both make me feel needed and loved. Noel, Brickman, and Lincoln are adorable. They also treat me with great respect and love. I loved it when they wanted to sit right next to me, and would follow me into the next room. It's times like these that make being a grandma so rewarding. They are happy and well-adjusted, being taught not only academics, sports, music, and spiritual matters, but also manners, discipline and respect.  Their eyes are bright and full of mischief and fun. The spirit of their home and relationship is very inviting and comforting.

   I attended Brickman's first chess tournament. I was impressed that Tommy and Xiaojun made a point to teach him to make friends with his chess partners and how to act gracious and kind after his wins, and to be a good sport. Some parents don't think of these aspects of life lessons. I give myself some credit for trying to teach this way as well so it was reassuring to see this passed on to my grandchildren. Tommy and Xiaojun are both very aware as parents and extremely involved and constantly on the alert to teach in the moment. It's a 24/7 job and some parents do not get this.

 

   It sounds like we will be overloaded in my program during the summer. There is a LOT of writing and reading, presentations and role-playing. The professors say that if we can make it through this summer Bridge Program then it should seem easier through the Fall and Spring semesters. Now that I'm in the master's program I foresee that the content is very interesting and I feel excited that this is the right degree for me. I feel anxious about the statistics class coming up though, but hopefully Emrie will help get me through it okay. 

   Who would have ever thought that I'd be earning a master's degree?! It was never in my wildest dreams, to tell you the truth. I always wanted a college education and hoped that someday I could obtain a bachelor's degree, but that was it. So this is about as surprising to me as it is to anyone else. I am fortunate and blessed for this opportunity. Yesterday one of my classmates asked me how old I was and when I said 59 her mouth dropped and she looked sincerely in shock, then stared at me for a few seconds. I know I'm an older student but it's never too late, right? And besides that, I will get it without any debt! I feel blessed and thankful for this opportunity. 

   It was nice to have Nathan's family come over and use my pool and eat pizza today. As the girls were swimming around I watered plants and had fun spraying them. Ashlynn would not answer my questions and this bothers me. Nathan bought a 2005 Harley Davidson. He's pretty proud of it and I wish I had taken his picture as he drove away.