Thanksgiving 2020

 Our food portion of Thanksgiving didn't go as planned but the activities went perfect.  Grandma Helen couldn't come because of Covid-19 so we thought we'd be spending Thanksgiving by ourselves but about 2 days before, Rachel and Stephen contacted us that they would be in Utah and would like to spend it with us.  I'm so glad that they did!  They are such good young adults and I truly love them very much.  

We ended up eating much later than planned but with having FHE with Rachel and Stephen and then playing games, it just went perfectly.  Plus, we had the opportunity to bring food over to a single mom who's children where at their Dads for the weekend.  She was sick and alone and it felt really good to not just help her, but to show the kids.  I often bring meals to people, actually, but I usually do it in private.  But this time I talked to the kids about it because I realized that they will never learn from me to serve in ways like this if I don't show them.

6-year-old little man

I don't think of Ruger's birth Mom a lot.  Don't get me wrong, I occasionally do but not like I did when we first adopted Ruger.  Maybe it's because I don't often think of him being adopted anymore.  I used to be really conscious of it; so afraid we'd do or say something wrong.  Fearing we'd ever trigger thoughts of him not feeling like he was a permanent part of our family.  Now, I'm more relaxed and so all this stuff just doesn't enter my mind as much.

But I'm thinking of her tonight, on her firstborn child's birthday.  Wondering if she's cried today.  Wondering if she has forgiven herself.  

As I think of her, of course I can't help but think of our blessing that came out of her pain.  Gosh, I hope she has forgiven herself because her boy is fiercely loved.  And he loyally loves back!

Here is a picture of Ruger with Leo, a neighbor friend, who is only 2.  Ruger doesn't care that he is 2 and still in diapers.  He just loves Leo!  That is just Ruger for you.  He wants to be everyone's friend.

Leo and Ruger went to Coconut Cove for Ruger's birthday last night.  It's hard celebrating his birthday so close to Thanksgiving and during a pandemic.  But it worked out nicely for us because Ruger doesn't care about how many people show up.  He just wants to play!

One of Ruger's best buds is his cousin Stephen.  He truly loves Stephen.  I mean LOVES him!  I wouldn't be surprised if seeing Stephen on his birthday actually was his birthday present in his eyes.

 Right now Ruger loves Taco Salad, children YouTubers, Seiiki, hanging out with just about any of our neighbors (and that's including the adults!), loves his Daddy the most, thinks farting is the funniest thing ever, and is the life of every party he comes into contact with.  People just love Ruger.  They really do.  He is at an age where his antics don't drive me crazy anymore.  I don't need breaks like I used to.  He makes Daddy feel so good about himself as he watches Ruger and I fighting to get to his car first, every Friday, to see who can touch Daddy before the other.  He's smart.  He's still incredibly active but is finally learning to control some of those impulses that used to get him into trouble.  All in all, Ruger is just a loved and loving kid.

Who Loves Me More?

I felt very loved this weekend.  And though I know that Seiiki loves me, I'm pretty sure David loves me more!

 

Stuffed Animal or Bichon?

 

Halloween 2020

 Halloween was different this year with less get togethers.  The night of Halloween, we noticed the amount of bowls out with candy raised significantly than years past.  Covid-19 has changed so many things this year.  Nevertheless, we tried to make it as normal as possible for the kids.

The Steed's house was the one house that we HAD to go and visit.  Ruger has 2 favorite "men friends" in our ward.  Brother Steed is one of them.  When we found out that he was dressing up at Captain America too, there was no way we were going to miss out on these 2 getting together on Halloween night!

Hyrum dressed up as well....as a cultist.  I still don't know how I feel about that.  It's a good thing I love that kid so much!

What We Are Willing To Do For Our Children

Without going into personal details, Hyrum was in need of an Emotional Support Animal.  After much research and introducing him to different breeds of puppies, he fell in love with this sweet Bichon.  Let me tell you why she is so special. Hyrum is not a dog person.  In fact, they used to scare him.  But after talking to him about different resources in helping him with his mental health, he felt he needed a dog.  After meeting a few breeders, this Bichon went straight to his lap and did not leave until we did.  All the puppies he met after that did nothing for him!  She still is a puppy and needs to be played with here and there but for the most part, she just wants to be in Hyrum's lap!  For the first time, in much too long of time, Hyrum is smiling again.

Meet Seiiki (Say-Key)!  It is Japanese for sanctuary.

Sometimes when Hyrum goes to bed, I'll have some Seiiki time while doing homework.  Lets just say that not much gets done with her around.  Heaven knows that I'm not a dog person.  I know they are loyal and show unconditional love better than humans but, just know I have my reasons.  But this sweet girl is changing my son's life.  I will always love her for that.  But honestly, she is melting my heart daily.  Hyrum and I both decided that we are still not dog people but we are Seiiki people!

 

Levi's Senior Pictures

My first born has had his Senior pictures taken.  There were many taken, and they were all amazing, but these are my favorite ones.

This one was just for fun as Sam got Levi to play around for us and get the grunge 90's look going on.

I know Sam from college.  My memories of him were of going to a dance with him and many hang out times in my apartment with my roommates.  I remember him being a great cook but more than anything, he was just dang funny!

A few days before Levi took his Senior pictures, I was talking to Levi about what he wanted to wear in his pictures.  He said he wanted to wear a flannel shirt.  After a little bit I just started laughing because I realized I had taken my Senior pictures in a flannel shirt 20 + years ago!