THIS BLOG WAS BORN WHILE WE AWAITED THE ARRIVAL OF OUR BEAUTIFUL BABY GIRL. IT HAS GROWN INTO A COLLECTION OF FAMILY MEMOIRS...

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Sunday, August 30, 2009

Quote of the Day

As usual, accredited to Evie...

The other day Evie and Soli went to visit our neighbor Gayle. Evie began to tell Gayle a story, and Soli, being the little parrot that she is, promptly began copying Evie's story and hand gestures, repeating the story just a few words behind the original still being told by her sister. Gayle looked down at Soli and said to her,

"Well, you are such a character."

And Evie corrected her with all seriousness,

"No, she's a Mexican."

Most definitely a character.
Our Soleil Mia 3 1/4
Zion National Park August 09

My Darling Husband on his 40th



When Dave and I were first married and Cole was just a baby we lived and worked in Montana. My mother in law owned a cabin camp and we ran it for the summer and fall months. And I was depressed. Only now, 12 years later, can I really say that with clarity. I was depressed. And I felt so guilty for being depressed (even though at the time I really didn't call it that). And of course feeling guilty, in turn, made me more depressed. I hated that I couldn't snap out of it. That I wasn't strong enough to will away the sadness and emptiness. "What is your problem?" I would ask myself. "You have the perfect life; everything you've ever asked for. An adoring husband, a darling baby, a lifestyle that allows you to spend everyday with them. You don't have a thing in the world to be sad about. And shame on you for not feeling happy every single day." These are the tongue lashings I would give myself, which typically didn't help me to feel any happier. I adored my husband and my baby. I loved being in Montana. But still, I was miserable. It certainly wasn't a suicidal sort of depression, but it was definitely the kind that made me want to stay in bed...all day. And my poor, darling husband. Trying to do his job and mine with a baby on his hip, while his wife drifted further and further away from him.

Then one day he must have grown tired of feeling helpless. I remember him coming into our bedroom (it was probably noon) and gently lifting me from under the covers. He carried me to the shower and said simply,

"It's time to get up and start your day."

"I don't want to," I replied.

"I know. But, it's time," he whispered helping me out of my p.j.'s and into the shower. "You'll feel better soon."

I could hardly imagine that he could love me anyway. Even though I was so pathetic. Even though I didn't love myself. But, he did. He loved me more than ever. And he didn't give up on me. That day he washed my hair, brushed my teeth, got me dressed and then called his friend Jay, recently graduated from med school. Jay recommended that I get out everyday for fresh air and exercise. Get the endorphins flowing. So everyday that summer Dave would load my bike with the baby seat onto the back of his '64 Scout, and Cole and I would ride up and back down the West Fork and pick wild raspberries. The depression subsided and has stayed at bay ever since.

Every now and then I think about that day in Montana when Dave plucked me from my despair and helped me right myself. Thank you, my sweet. Thank you for being an amazing and brave husband and loving me unconditionally and walking this journey beside me.

I love you.

And happy birthday.

~H

Monday, August 03, 2009

Summer Catsup

I've recently been made aware that it has been far too long since I've blogged. So here we go...a summer catsup.

We love our Daddy!! Father's Day 2009


Emerson's 9th birthday at the Santa Cruz Beach & Boardwalk was so much fun. Dave and I loaded up 13 kids (including our own) into two cars and took them to the Boardwalk for $10 admission night. We stopped at Costco for pizza and cupcakes on the way (I thought they might kick me out of the food court for lighting candles, but they didn't. In fact, everyone was thoroughly amused. When was the last time you saw a birthday party at Costco?). Then it was off to the Boardwalk where, on a Wednesday night, we all but owned the place. The kids walked on to almost all of the rides, only waiting in lines once or twice. It was a blast and only slightly more expensive than the cost of renting a jumpy house.
P.S. I love 9 year olds...almost too cool for picture taking, but not quite.

Who said you can't have a birthday party at the Costco food court??

My absolute favorite 9 year old on this planet. How darling is he?
Happy birthday, Em! We love you.
Stay cool, Dude.

We have the cutest little hometown 4th of July celebration. Our volunteer fire company puts on a 10K run, craft fair, and old fashion fireman's muster. My favorite parts of the day are the lemonade stand that my kids always do and the darling little hometown parade that goes right by the front of our house.

Cole was selected to play for one of our allstar baseball teams this summer. We were so proud of him and had so much fun watching him bloom. Our "A" allstar team made it to the Little League World Series! Go Toro!!

Camping on the Russian River in Guerneville, CA. I love it that our "house" always attracts all of the "neighbor" kids.

Me and Grandpa Fanch


Have I mentioned how much I adore my husband? And how cute is he? July 6th - 13 years and counting...

We rented a house and met my side of the family for a week long family reunion in Scottsdale, AZ. We had the best time ever. So, so fun.

Soli and Mimi poolside in Scottsdale. I love this pic of the two of them. How gorgeous is my mom?

My brother, Landon proposed to his long time girlfriend, Julianna. Congrats, you two! And welcome to the fam, Jules! We love you!!

What do you get when you add 2 grandparents+6 siblings+3 spouses+7 grandkids+afewtoomanymojitos? You get a whole lotta family fun (and a lotta karaoke/dance parties). Next year, Gang...same time, same place (or maybe a new place??)

After leaving Arizona, we headed north to Montana stopping for a looksee at the Grand Canyon on the way. Oh, and check out our new doggie. She adopted us while we were in Scottsdale. Guess what her name is...Zona; short for Arizona.

And since we normally do not go through southern Utah on our way to Montana we thought we would drive through Zion National Park. It just happened to be the park's 100th birthday on the day we were passing through. No admission fee for us!! We love that. Happy birthday, Zion!

I hope you all are having a lovely summer. Don't remind me that school is just around the corner...
Hugs, Heather