Thursday, May 23, 2013

the latest (i.e. "all about Ryan")

Alright, it's been WAY too long and our lives are entering such an exciting, fun stage I just have got to get back on the blogging bandwagon and get writing again . . . About. Everything.

I find it interesting that my last post was Katrina Kennison's touching video which laments the passing of time and letting go of our children.  However, ever since Ryan has made the decision to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, I have been at peace and trying to completely live each day in the present moment. The times I find myself dwelling on how fast the time has flown and begin to reminisce are fleeting, although I do catch myself tearing up with something as simple as the "checklist of items and dates in preparation for graduation" sent home from the high school, or something more solid, like a song (93 Million Miles by Jason Mraz and Jackson Browne's The Only Child get me every time).

This time of life, right now, has been pure joy.  I adore teenagers, and my experience has been that teenagers who are approaching high school graduation with an entire life of possibilities ahead are the most invigorating, lively, and enthusiastic group of people one could surround themselves.  I can honestly say that this is the very happiest I have ever seen Ryan.  There is a light and goodness about him that just radiates and I know that these few months before he leaves on his mission will be very special.  That's why living in the present moment for me, each day, is crucial.

No, I haven't forgotten that I do have three other children who are leading lives of interest and hopefully the girls will receive some blog face time soon, but for now, here's a recap of Ryan's last few months:

First things first . . . college applications and acceptances.  Ryan applied to four schools:  Boston University, Columbia, University of Southern California, and Brigham Young University.  He was accepted to all but Columbia and I have to say that there isn't a more rewarding experience than watching these acceptances (and scholarships in the case of BU and BYU) roll in.  After so much hard work during high school and the hours put into the application process and essays, we were celebrating for days!

But after much thought and deliberation, Ryan decided to defer his college acceptances and serve a mission for our church.  His papers just went in this week, and he is eagerly awaiting his call (he is hopeful it will be here by graduation).  He will leave sometime in August or September, so until then he will enjoy every minute of his senior year and his last summer at home . . .

Ryan and his close friends (all 22 of them) are heading to Newport Beach to spend a week together celebrating graduation.  Otherwise known as "Senior Trip."  The kids are all looking forward to the trip and I praise my friend Monica who not only volunteered to chaperone one of the beach houses, but held a parent meeting to discuss specifics, and put together packets for each teen which included a medical release form and "code of conduct" disclosure.  I love this woman (and so do all the kids)!!

He turned 18 on 4/14/13 and we celebrated a low key birthday at home since it was a Sunday.  He received the standard "money tucked away in his favorite sugar cereals and treats" as well as a special treasure hunt I put together with 18 clues - each one a special memory of Ryan at that age (he's reading clue #1 on the cereal box).  Putting together the treasure hunt was truly a walk down memory lane as I hid clues behind his favorite books when he was 7 (Harry Potter), behind his deacon picture for clue #12, in his car for clue #16 . . .   and the prize at the end of the hunt:  a longboard for Sr. trip - he was thrilled!

Ryan asking to the dance and Annie answering
SENIOR PROM excitement begins to brew.  At Skyline, where Ryan attends high school, Sr. Prom is reserved mainly for the seniors and so this was his first really nice, formal (as in wear a tux) dance.  I was elated when he told me who is was going to ask since I had been bugging Ryan each dance to ASK HER!  These two have been friends since we moved here when they were both in 5th grade and she is one exceptional young lady whose smile lights up a room the minute she walks in - LOVE this girl.

A few pictures from the dance:
Ryan, Annie and the crew gathering for pictures with the parents.  4/4/13.

The handsome senior guys 
(until I saw Ryan in the line-up, I never realized that 5' 7" really isn't that tall - poor kid!)

Beautiful, stunning senior girls
I had to screen shot Ryan's instagram after the dance - so sweet!  Oh, and Annie was the prom queen as well - way to go Ryan :).

MOTHER'S DAY 2013 was definitely one I'll never forget.  It is tradition that the graduating seniors from the Little Cottonwood Ward speak to the congregation about their plans for the future, as well as pay tribute to their mothers.  The bishop asked these four exceptional young people to share which Christlike attributes they see in their mother's and how they have been influenced by their moms.  All the talks were fabulous and Ryan's words were thoughtful and straight from the heart (even if he began the talk by saying "everyone knows how awesome my mom is, but she is really awesome because she let me keep my mullet" - sigh).

LCW seniors - these kids are going places - we were very impressed.
Love my boy!

Time for SENIOR pictures and I'm so grateful for a friend who has a nice camera, whose son is great friends with Ryan, and who took an hour to shoot a few pics for Ryan's graduation announcements . . .
I thought she captured some great shots highlighting different aspects of Ryan's personality 
(and his pride and joy - the hair ;).

The next item of business was graduation announcements, which I just put together last night - here is the final product:

front

back

Now with graduation approaching and the cap and gown resting neatly in a box on Ryan's dresser, his mind is filled with anticipation of a mission call and I couldn't be more proud to be his mother.  This young man is going to be an AMAZING missionary.  His leadership skills and knowledge of the gospel are truly remarkable, as well as an intuitive way with people that just makes him so dang likeable.

So, it was off with the hair and on with the dark suit and tie for a quick picture to send in with his papers.  
Here is our future missionary:

Friday, March 29, 2013

preparing for the inevitable

OK, here goes.  It's been an exciting week of college notifications, friends receiving mission calls, preparation for graduation and senior trip.  I'm just ripe for another sentimental post about my child growing up and preparing to leave the nest.

But instead of reading my ramblings, I'll share some thoughts from an insightful author who just "gets it" and has the uncanny brilliance and ability to put my feelings into these touching words.  Thank you Katrina Kenison for your wisdom in finding the beauty of my very own "ordinary days."

Get a tissue . . .

Monday, March 18, 2013

year in review: summer 2012

Alright, a little ridiculous that the "year in review" posts are still happening as we enter the second half of March, but as we are all pining for summer and beginning to plan our summer events, I just have to capture the epic season we enjoyed in 2012.

In a nutshell, this is what last summer looked like, beginning the day after the kids finished school:

Last day of school | California trip with grandma | Ryan's ACT | BYU tennis camp | Stake Youth Pioneer Trek | Volleyball camp | Swim team | Track team | Engineering State | 4th of July | Shakespeare Festival & weekend in St. George | Rodeo Camp & Island Park | Cantera Family reunion in Bear Lake | Utah State tennis camp | Bear Lake with Howicks | Handcart Days Parade | Skyline Tennis Team tryouts | Sophie's 11th Birthday | Julie's Oakley retreat | BYU hockey camp | Newport Coast family vacation | St George high school tennis tourney | School starts again.

I'm exhausted just reliving our insane summer, but the kids thought the nonstop activity was the best.  As I recall, when school was beginning again, it was unanimous that 2012 was indeed the best summer EVER (warning: high voltage picture overload) . . .

{ J u n e } 

Sophie and friends on the last day of 5th grade.

Sophie had a fabulous teacher, Mrs. Peck.  On the last day of school, they learned the official rules of hopscotch.

Liza's FABULOUS 2nd grade teacher, Mrs. Davis

Liza and buddies.

Sophie and her doubles partner finishing up a final match in a tourney on the last day of school.
What good sports!


We're off to Disneyland with Grandma Janice!

Even better with our friends the Osterlohs ( . . . how many in your group?  FOURTEEN!)

We love Disneyland!

The real reason for the trip: watching Caroline perform with the CJH ballroom dance group.

Ahhh, Treasure Island Park in Laguna.  Our favorite spot.

Spending the afternoon at Aliso Beach.

Thanks grandma for coming along and creating such fun memories together!

Back home just in time to send these two pioneers off on Trek!

Spent a morning on the BYU campus visiting the art museum, HFAC, library, and ice cream at the Wilk before dropping Caroline off at tennis camp.  

Swim team season in full swing at the SLTC

Liza competing for the first time - she really loved it!

Ready for her heat . . .

Butterfly and backstroke


{ J u l y }

Kids from the hood at the annual 4th of July Granite community celebration

After running the 5K that morning - 3rd and 4th place in women's division!

Ryan and Jeff entertaining the ladies at the breakfast ;).

The crew watching the parade and waiting to run out and gather candy!

ST. GEORGE weekend . . .

Fun times in grandma's pool

Utah Shakespeare Festival - took the kids to see "Les Miserables" - amazing performance - loved sharing this experience with the kids.

Taking a break during intermission at the Randall Theater

Checking out the Globe theater on SUU campus

Celebrating our July birthdays - Grandma Janice and Sophie!


Return home from St. George late Sunday night, and off to Idaho early the next morning for RODEO CAMP!

Our cowgirl

Sophie and friend Teegan all saddled up and ready to go . . .

The only shot from this year's rodeo - the storm rolled in right after they got started and just poured - they had to call the rodeo off early :(.

After the storm.  Sophie loves her rodeo camp friends.

Beautiful sunset from Meadow Vue Ranch

Chuckwagon dinner

Camp kids singing for us.  Sophie loves these kids and was in tears the day camp ended.  
Truly is the highlight of her summer.

Rodeo camp moms (and the girls' awesome counselor, Julia).

While Sophie spends her days with horses, Liza and I make our own plans . . .

Kayaking from Big Springs to Mack's

Liza's favorite - jumping out of the kayak and playing in the river

Hanging out in West Yellowstone with friends

We love the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center

Kids all lined up and ready to go feed the bears!

Ahh, the beauty of YELLOWSTONE

Hiked the falls with our friends 
Liza is just happy to sit on the dock and collect minnows.  This is my favorite picture from our trip.

Thanks Liza for the one-on-one time.

Visiting Mesa Falls with Sophie on our way back home.


CANTERA FAMILY REUNION - Bear Lake's North Shore 
Yes, every person in this picture is a Cantera :).

Watch out for these two yahoos on the wave runner!  We play for HOURS: water, mud, paddle board, cousins, movies, games . . .

Fun at the cabin: making bracelets, pedicures by aunt Linda, and just hanging with cousins

Visiting Minnetonka Cave with Grandma and David's family

What a great week with the Cantera clan and my own chicks.


Speaking of family . . . its on to the HOWICK gathering on the south end of Bear Lake a few days later:
The crew

Good natured rivalry never ends in our family

Celebrating three cousin birthdays: Sophie, Avery, and Miriam 


Speaking of birthdays . . .
HAPPY 11th BIRTHDAY SOPHIE

Birthday party with good friends at Flowrider (couldn't think of a better fit for our boogie board queen).

Opening gifts with the family.  The ONLY thing Sophie wanted was her very own phone, and if it could be an iPhone, all her dreams would come true.  She got her wish and was so excited she cried - it was a sweet moment.  However, within a week she dropped it on the concrete and cracked the screen *sigh.


{ A u g u s t }
Annual scripture study group retreat to Sherry's beautiful cabin in Oakley.  Two days to refresh, relax, and rejuvenate with these wonderful women (one of whom is behind the camera ;).  Love you guys!


Speaking of relaxing. . .
Our summer family VACATION.  Oh, how we love Southern California.

Plenty of tennis time at the resort.  These girls can hit!

Treasure Island Beach, Laguna . . .

We spent a morning touring USC - one of Ryan's college prospects
This campus was impressive and Ryan felt right at home.

Meeting up with our family friends, the Osbornes (teens and lemon juice - still in vogue, who knew?)

Nonstop action from Sophie on the board - we finally broke down and bought her her very own board,  just her size!

Our base camp for a day on Thalia beach, Laguna

Spent a day riding bikes from Balboa along the boardwalk in Newport

Gotta stop for a Balboa bar!

Newport pier

Huntington pier

The kids favorite - shopping all the surf shops in Huntington

Sunset at the Wedge
Pure entertainment - spending our last night watching the crazy body surfers take on HUGE waves at the Wedge in Balboa.

Caroline and friend Maddy

Such a great night together with family and friends!

Goodbye Newport Coast  . . . until next summer!


Arrive home from Cali and have a week to get ready for the first day of school (2012-2013 year) . . .
Liza 3rd, Sophie 6th, Caroline 10th, Ryan 12th.  First days of school are always bitter sweet, hate to see the kids leave, but a little joyous at the same time to have some peace and quiet.

As school begins, so does high school tennis . . .
Caroline's teammates cheering her on during the region finals.

Way to go Skyline: 1st place St. George HS tourney / 1st place Region champs

If you stayed with me for the entire barrage of pictures, I commend you diligence and promise to NEVER put you through it again ;).  Now, I'm ready for summer more than ever - bring it on!!