Kathy Wakeling May 2025

May 30th 2025 Kathy Wakeling passed at midnight last night. This feels like the beginning of significant deaths in my life now that I am 47 years old. Kathy was a dear dear friend who if I admitted to my and her daughter Tiffany, I often wished she was my own mother. Kathy was awesome. She had her pulse on what was cool and in but wasn't trendy herself. She appreciated all things crafty and cute and bedazzled jewels. I remember when she took me wedding dress shopping, maybe because my mom was exhausted, didn't want to, or just could not get the hang of my 'vision' for what I wanted. Kathy took me and we tried. She also noticed after we went shopping that she had worn two different shoes. We laughed a lot about that.

Kathy adored my Hadley from the start. Not just a friendly admiration, she loved Hadley! Kathy was the first person I ever left Hadley alone with for an hour or so. I remember dropping her off in her carseat at just a few weeks old. She cooed and rocked her and just filled herself up on a baby while I got a well-need post-partum break.

Kathy was the type that at the last Garden Party we had, she brought hats that she decorated for all of us girls and Pat, Mom and Molly. First we admired everyone of them and she was so fun to do those things with because she liked that kind of stuff so much. We would bring our own fun crafts or items we were making or the girls had made just to show them to her and Pat.

I could go on and on. Kathy was kind to my mom and I know she was a dear friend to her. I may not ever know how close they were but it was nice that she understood my mom and liked her anyway. 

Christmas 2024 she came over to Molly's to make gingerbread houses with me, Gentry, Bridget, Molly, Pat and my mom - who she tried to get to participate. 

She and Pat came over and helped make tiara's for our school carnival at least twice. I always looked forward to this. She was so fun to pick out colors with, talk about things and laugh about the ridiculousness of the crafts Molly and I would get ourselves involved in. 

Kathy told me stories about how she would shop when her first child was born with him and then get a cookie at Nordstrom. I thought that was so cool. She knew about 'self-care' before it was a thing. She believed in quality items or her husband did and they must have been a great team together. Her words of wisdom was to let your husband 'think it was his idea' to get what you want. (It really works!)

I'll always remember visiting Kathy in her rehabilitation ward after she fell and broke her leg. I was excited to surprise her on a random rainy Monday night. Bridget, Autumn and Charly made a modge-podge collage of 'all things Kathy' from magazines. It wasn't hard because she liked so many things. But I remember driving out to see her and giving it to her to brighten her room. I heard how much she loved it and was happy because it truly was a "Kathy collage" - I loved all the things on it as well. I loved her taste in things as well as her non-fussiness. The was hung with blue painters tape, somewhat crooked but that speaks to her non-perfectionist personality. Although I think most things she made or tried turned out pretty perfect. She knew herself and was confident.

Last time I saw her was with Hadley and we convinced my mom to go and visit her too with the promise of lunch after. We waited for almost half an hour because we were told she was in physical therapy. Then we asked another nurse who said she was having lunch so we found her in the cafeteria. I was so glad we found her and she came back to her room where we ran in Pat and The Marilyn. I had never met The Marilyn but Kathy had spoken of her a million times over the years. She quilted with her and probably dozens of other things that I was the recipient of.  

I know I had her on my November Gratitude List but I can't remember if I ever sent her a letter. I sure hope I did but either way is a reminder to tell people who have had a impact or matter to me while they are here so they can know how much they meant. I am glad that she knows now!

My Little Room

 In my little room

s quiet as can be,

heres not nothing,

nothing to see.

And all the noises

are just coming from my head.

Whispering and wooing

not going back to bed.

Theres no light

No dark

No saving

No doom

Just little ol me,

in my little room.

Bridget age 9

YW Fashion/Personality Show 2024

 Lauren (15) - FOMO, sunset enthusiast, taught her youngest sister how to swim & ride a bike, country music, flag decor, soccer player, journaled 1388 days +, clay pigeon markswoman, in a tree climbing competition she would 100% win

Gentry (14) - all things skincare, ASMR enthusiast, sewing, running, loves homemade whipped cream, speaks the most Gaelic in our household, in a burping contest she would 100% win

Dark In The Woods

 It is dark in the woods all the trees stand where they stood. I try to make out a picture so blurry and in front of the setting sun is clouds of flurry. I try to make out the never ending dark and there is no sound not even a bark. The forest seems as calm as a resting rock but also so mad it could seem like it talks. Before I fall asleep I wish and pray that tomorrow will be lighter than it was today.

Bridget age 9 11/19/2023 (Lake Almanor CA)

Vincen'ts Talk - a note from Floy

 Floy Mackay

 

From:ianandfloy@gmail.com

To:Raena Johnson

Mon, Oct 30, 2023 at 2:10 PM

I have no other way to tell Vincent how impressed I was by his talk.  I understand he was nervous, but he said he read the Book of Mormon and prayed when he just had 15 minutes before bedtime.  He didn't expect to have "help" in answering the questions, but what happened was that he felt peace.  And having peace helps you through any tests.  It applies to life and its' tests, not just to school.  Please tell him thank you. Strange as it may seem, this elderly lady needs to be reminded of that very thought.

Sister Floy Daun Mackay

P,S.  Your family is such a blessing to us.  We've had a few really unusual requests and you and Chris and Vincent have been there every time.  Bless you.

---

Vincent's Baby Blessing

 Notes someone took from your baby blessing. pretty accurate huh?

I bless you with a calm spirit.

To be a force for good, discernment.

To be member of the church, priesthood and all blessings of temple.

Thirst for knowledge, happy spirit.

Proper physical development to complete your mission on earth.

To know what is important and what is not, to not be weighed by details.

Letter from Ireland September 12, 2018

 Hi Dad, Mom, Molly and Sylva, (feel free to forward on)

Dad - I emailed aunt joyce today as Chris met a colleague who is really good friends with Kurt.  Small world. 

The kids have adjusted nicely, especially to riding the buses home.  Hadley and Vincent take a city bus home.  They will definitely appreciate me driving them when we get back to CA.  And the fact that it doesn't take more than 30 minutes to get home.  The drive is incredible though as the view is all along the coast entirely.  Very pretty.

Lauren has taken up field hockey on the days she can.  Her and Gentry walked to the library today to do their homework this evening.  It is nice living in this little village. I met L, G and B at their bus ride home today and we stopped and bought bread for dinner tonight.  

Chris just left to take Hadley to the church for seminary.  Too bad it takes about 30 minutes to get to the ward building.  He had to come home early from work to do it.  We are working out the details on seminary.

I'll be taking Vincent to meet with a soccer team member who lives right by us by the estuary so we can carpool.  It is pretty incredible where they practice.  It is on Paddy's Hill which is apparently an historic site.  He got picked up by the team immediately as it took us a while to find one that didn't play on Sunday. Chris took him to a try out and the gold team coach called dibs on him before the silver team could have him.  I have a picture of him signing with the team - very official, ha ha.  His coach said he isn't going to pay him though.  Played first game on Saturday and he scored first goal but had an even better assist.  (Molly - you've seen his Tustin Fire team play and Chris and I definitely think they would school this team, unfortunately I guess.) Next season starts in January and they will play on the bigger fields which Vincent is excited for.

I have been driving mostly only to a few of the same places.  I have gotten used to driving on the left side alright and the roundabouts but the lack of street signs makes it difficult.  I am trying to gear myself up for driving to the airport to pick up guests! I drive a lot more than Chris bc he usually only drives on the weekends and I think I am better at it than him so it might just attest to the more you do it, the better you get.

Lauren is doing her best to learn Irish.  Basically they give her a workbook which is all in Irish and she has to learn it from that.  yeah, it isn't really happening. They also get a Spanish and French lesson once a week. Weird. I am trying to have Gentry excused from it so she can focus on her math or reading during that time. Fingers crossed.

Bridget is slowly acclimating to long days at school.  Bus picks them up around 8 and she gets out of school at 2:45.  After bus ride or drive home it is quite late (sometimes she falls asleep on way home) but it also means to goes to bed quite nicely.  She loves school!  She seems so much older and so happy to be there.  They take lots of breaks (recesses) and they get biscuits every day which I understand are cookies but I am sure they are not as good as US cookies.  Nothing is!

The food, which we always knew, leaves much to be desired.  We have pretty much given up on good food - or just to have low expectations.  We have had dominos, pizza hut and mcdonalds which were all 'different' some in not good ways.  We have tried fish and chips and some other things.  Chris regrets trying Chinese and Vincent gets lunch at the canteen everyday and sticks with the paninis as he regrets trying the enchilada.  There is no way on earth I would try Mexican food in Ireland!  He said he knew better but just craved it so bad.  Ha ha.

Everything is so expensive here.  We knew it would be more than home but I am more surprised by how you cannot buy ANYTHING in bulk or large packaging.  I have to buy several packs of plums bc they only come 6 to a pack.  Or small packs of grapes.  The bottles and jars of everything are tiny.  We found a box of Lucky Charms for 9 euro!  The kids didn't even want them anyway because they knew they would be disappointed with the flavor.  Everything is different.  They do love Ikea meatballs so we eat those regularly.

My neighbor is from New Jersey and her and I went into downtown on the train yesterday to buy textbooks for the kids.  We've had to buy uniforms and textbooks - spent more than a thousand euro on it all (which we should get reimbursed for).  She is very nice.  Is here with her 17 year old daughter who goes to same school as my kids for six months just to keep her Irish citizenship.  Hope she decides to stay the rest of the year!

I don't know if Chris booked it yet but we are planning to fly back the week after Christmas for dentist, ortho appts and to take the boat out!  Ha ha.  Of course to see everyone as well.  I just don't want to adapt to the time difference again as that was really really really hard!

Let's see, that is all I can think of right now.  We really got lucky with our house location-wise and size-wise.  Except for the shower leaking and now a balcony leaking into a room it is pretty good.  Some of it we just have to laugh off (not the leaks) and appreciate how great some things are in the US.  We are looking forward to visitors! I don't know the best time to visit - the locals say it is really rainy here but ex-pats say it doesn't and it is very mild.  Most of Chris' colleagues are from Minnesota and Michigan so they absolutely LOVE the weather here.  I don't miss the heat but I miss the warmth of CA.  I imagine if you were from there you are just happy it doesn't snow here.  One gal showed me pictures from a trip to Galway and said the beaches are incredible - they were rocky.  I was like, hmm okay we have everything like that in So Cal.  The only thing worse than rain and cold is WIND!  Ugh, that I don't like!

Hope all is well there and will be in touch!

Love, Raena

Update

Things that have stuck out to me:


In church on Sunday another speaker mentioned Hadley's sweet testimony that she shared a few weeks back during the primary presentation.  I've heard from so many people about how she touched them and shared that with her.  I hope she remembers it.  She also got asked to sing at a baptism by her violin teacher very last minute but she happily rehearsed and did it.  I laugh because in the morning while I was sitting with her watching Vincent's soccer game she said she was so nervous.  She wasn't nervous though about the solo, it was for her soccer game that was afterward the baptism.  She is so funny like that - she'd rather sing a solo than speak or play a soccer game.


Lauren continues to be such a help with Bridget.  Last Thursday we found ourselves at the library and storytime was about to start.  It was for little ones with lots and lots of singing/dancing, action songs and a couple books.  Lauren was so eager to participate with Bridget and helped her do all of the things.  It was nice for me to just sit and watch the two of them - took some pictures and video as well.  I know that Bridget looks up to Lauren so much.  Lauren is always so aware of games or whatever Bridget is up to.


Gentry must be going through a 6-year old phase.  On top of not being very helpful, complaining about most things and being very very picky about what she wears she is also afraid of going to bed alone, in the dark, by herself.  She watched something scary at Halloween time and is convinced her closet is spooky and locks the door all the time now.  Ahh, this too shall pass . . . I think her siblings are anxious for it too because they don't like sleeping with the lights on or having Gentry get in their beds.


We should finally be moving in the next couple weeks.  The house is relatively finished although I'm just realizing right now it won't be painted before we move in I guess because we haven't decided on a color.


Quote of the week from Lauren: "If at first you don't succeed, delete the app."

Update

Wow, okay - more than a year has gone by.  I have discovered Instagram and Chatbooks has been printing photos so I haven't gone without any journaling - just not as much and the kind that I really want to.  Ahh well, do what I can.  It might help when we update our laptop and all of our technology, possibly when we move.  Whenever that might be????


So, yes, we bought another house.  Last spring.  We've been working on it ever since.  Actually Chris has been doing most of the work in his non-existent spare time.  Actually that has taken a lot of his spare time.  We were planning to move about every month since then and yet it still hasn't happened.  I've stopped asking and so have the kids.  I am excited to move though!  It is a smaller more simple home on a quiet cul-de-sac.  The younger kids' school is literally right around the corner since I changed them to Loma Vista after much stressing about it.  Vincent and Lauren are still acclimating to the new school the most I think.  It broke my heart and breaks it every day Vincent is unhappy with school that I took him away from some great friends - boys that I really liked and he go along with so well.  They come to scouts at the church but I know it isn't the same.  I pray the most for him, that he can find some new great friends that are like him.  I pray a lot about that.  A lot.


Lauren is starting to come around a little more to 2nd grade at a new school.  I love that she is strong enough to make up her mind about what she does and doesn't want to do and who to do it with.  Sometimes I think she feels left out or that she really wants one genuine great friend.  Other times I think she likes not being tied down.  Kids are funny. 


Gentry likes Kindergarten.  She started in a K-1 combo class but we had her moved to a traditional Kindergarten class which has been great.  She still talks more about TK and her friends from last year but I know she enjoys school this year too.  She can be so girly and giggly and happy about her school day!


Hadley started 6th grade, middle school and has really really enjoyed the experience.  I think she enjoys that the social-requirements are taken out of the equation.  Who to play with at recess, sit with, etc.  She has gained more independence and is doing really well.  She chose to go to Hewes instead of with her friends to our old feeder MS and I don't think she or I will ever regret her decision.  I stressed about it a lot too until she decided on her own - must remember to trust in my kids decisions. 


Bridget and I spend our days dropping kids off and picking them up from school.  Again, when we move at least we can just walk there or at least the elementary school is so close it will barely take more than 3 minutes to drop the kids off so she can stay home with daddy while he gets ready for work.  I've been trying to go walking or working out as much as possible when there is time and I take Bridget too a little preschool/Learning Links class that Gentry used to attend at the Blind Children's school.  It is great one-on-one time with her.


This afternoon we all went to Knott's Berry Farm for FHE.  Gentry was finally tall enough to ride several of the rides the bigger kids always go on.  It meant me and Bridget hung out a lot but it was so fun to see them all have fun with Chris.  I am so blessed for the wonderful kids I have and a husband who provides for all of us so much.

Legal Documents

Hadley came up with and wrote a legally binding contract for her and Vincent.  Will be interesting to see if it happens. I had to take a snapshot of it.

Lauren

I can't remember what Lauren got in trouble for and I bet she can't remember either but this is the sign she posted. She is not coming out until Fall is over. Addendum: except for school and to go places. :) oh and food and water:)

Bridget's Birth Story

My C-section for Bridget was scheduled for May 29th.  Approximately two days before my actual due date which will never cease to confuse me why Dr. Lagrew scheduled it then except for his Memorial Day weekend vacation.  Nonetheless, you decided to come early - on May 25th which suited me just fine.  I was tired of trying to sleep at night so pregnant.  Tired of being so swollen and sweating.  I was also excited because this meant I would also have a baby born on Sunday!


I had skipped church the last Sunday or so because I was so huge and swollen and no church shoes fit me (I am one who refuses to wear flip-flops to church).  However, this Sunday Chris was being called as executive secretary as part of a new bishopric.  I went to support and sustain him as well as be there for his setting-apart.  After the setting apart I came home.  Chris brought the kids home after church and we were sitting watching a baseball game when I got up to use the restroom - my water broke!  How exciting?  This had never happened before.  I tried calling Chris.  Then I called his mom to tell her we wouldn't be coming to dinner and see if she could come instead.  Called Chris again.  No answer.  Called Molly and Mom.  Chris again.  Tried texting him.  Finally I called the new bishop's wife to see if she could get a hold of her husband.  Called Sharon so she could come watch the kids while my mother-in-law was on her way.  Finally got a hold of Chris.


We went to the hospital in Laguna Hills and got admitted.  Unfortunately I had eaten not long before so would have to wait at least 4 hours since my last meal to get prepped for surgery.  Chris left to go back to the house and get a bite to eat - knowing it would be a long night.  Finally around 8:30 they started prepping me for surgery.  IV etc.


At 9:29 and with a huge push on my belly you were born!  The details of how I felt are hazy because daddy and I were so anxious to hear what the neonatologist said after his immediate examination of your cleft.  Chris came to my side and told me, "looks like just the lip is cleft."  I was relieved and grateful and yet reminded that all along I knew this would be the case.  Heavenly Father had blessed me with such peace and comfort from the first day I learned that you had a cleft.  I mentally prepared myself for the worst case scenario - but during those times I always felt there was little need for it and that it would be just your lip alone and a mild case. 


I loved you most immediately.  We took lots of pictures while in the recovery room and I couldn't believe how much love I felt for you and how adorably cute I thought you looked.  Your little lip just added to the cuteness especially with those adorable chubby cheeks.

Update

Today was Mother's Day.  Always a sentimental day for me.  I enjoy going to church and listening to my little children sing with the primary.  Today, sacrament meeting was all I could manage to sit through with my swollen feet.  Eighteen more days of pregnancy and the edema in my feet/ankles and really taken hold.  It doesn't help that we are having an unusually hot May.  In the 100's this week!


The kids and Chris wrote a Jeopardy question/answer game for me this morning about things about themselves: sayings, doings, and family history.  It was cute.  The kids were their usual rambunctious selves on Sunday mornings, particularly since we don't have church till 1pm.  After the game show, they actively picked up on a game of sumo wrestling on our new entryway rug - the only rug in the house since we got new flooring.  The three youngest quickly stripped down in their underwear to be more 'authentic' sumo wrestlers.  I love how well and much they play together.


Vincent was baptized two weeks ago today as well.  It was a nice service with even a couple non-member friends joining him.  I wish there could have been more but it was a nice day either way.  The water was cold apparently though because the water heater had broken.  Hadley and Lauren sang beautifully together a special musical number as well.

Update

Today in Sacrament meeting Lauren was curious about people getting up and bearing their testimonies.  After watching a few members share their testimonies and a reminder from me on what a testimony was she confidently went up to the stand.  She had to wait for another speaker to finish - which took longer than I would have liked.  I was nervous she would lose her nerve and come back down.  But she stayed up there and took her turn.  Her testimony was small and simple 'Heavenly Father loves us all and He is nice'. -- Wow, I know for certain I was not doing that at age 5.  It wasn't written, she needed no help and didn't ask for me to accompany her.


Unfortunately Chris missed Sacrament meeting due to waiting for a plumber to arrive at the house and fix a sink problem that had been plaguing the kitchen all weekend long.  Seems the projects and things to be done just keep adding up.  On Saturday he and I both went and bought bougainvillea plants for the driveway and he planted several.  I wish I could help him more with his tasks around the house - but 5 months pregnant, I'm getting around slower and slower these days.


Vincent is happy to be back into baseball.  His little league team is the Chicago Cubs this year.  I am anxious for the games to start.  Practice keeps him away from us so much during the week. 


Hadley and Vincent both started piano lessons a couple weeks ago.  Someone was right when they said it takes more discipline for parents sometimes.  I don't know that either of them love it, hopefully it will come with success in it but I feel it is a rite of passage.  One that I never go to be a part of though and always wish I had.


Gentry continues to be my buddy.  She is currently snuggled up with Hadley in her bed tonight sleeping.  Usually she can convince Hadley to come to her bed.  Lauren is happy to be no part of any of it.  Those girls all have such different personalities.

Update

For some reason I seem to be getting worse and worse for updating instead of more regular.  I think about it all the time but then by night time I am too exhausted to come sit in the office and do anything.  I blame it on the new baby who is coming in May but making me awfully tired (not as sick-anymore).

Christmas season is upon us.  My most favorite time of the year.  And yet, for some reason I struggle to try and recreate the magic for my own children that perhaps I feel was so much more real to me.  My only answer is less television, less spontaneous treats like candy canes, really sitting down and enjoying the season together with them and trying to make it magical.  It won't help that this week we are having somewhat of a mini heat wave.  Temps in the 80's don't create that Christmas feeling.

Several weeks ago Hadley bravely sang a solo in the ward Primary program.  It was really beautiful.  When the primary leaders heard her sing they all told me how great it was and that she should sing in it.  She volunteered to sing a solo and did it amazingly.  Last week she performed in the Stake Creche children's choir and sang a duet.  Unfortunately Chris and I were out tending a sick, very vomiting Lauren.  At least all her grandparents got to hear it.  She continues to swim although reluctantly.  I imagine the cold weather doesn't help.  She is always the peacemaker in the home and tries to be positive.  Love that girl.

Vincent also performed with the stake choir.  He enjoyed it, which I am glad.  He misses spending as much time as he did in the summer with his cousins but when he is with them, we girls sure miss him here too.  He is always up to something or wanting to be around me.  He is loving playing games on the computer and such - but I'm afraid video games will not enter our household for some time still.

Lauren is as busy as usual being about everyone's business.  She hasn't taken to Kindergarten the way I would have liked or expected but I know she is working hard at learning to read and won Author's Tea at the school for writing last month! 

Gentry is enjoying a preschool-like center with me twice a week.  Mostly for the fact that I go with her.  She disdains school and talks about never going.  She only likes to go places where I can go.  Playdates are tricky unless her sister Lauren goes with her.  Otherwise she has her best friend Caroline come to our house where they ignore Lauren.  She does love going to preschool though and I know it is good for her. 

Chris and I are staying busy trying to gear up and get a kitchen/bathroom renovation plan before the baby comes.  I feel it is rather ambitious but we'll see what we can pull off!

Update

We enjoyed a beautiful Sunday today with rainy-like weather.  It is atypical obviously here for in July but a welcome change from any heat.  Yesterday Vincent, Lauren, Gentry & I went for a walk and it started raining.  It was fun to just meander home in the rain.  We came home, made hot cocoa & chocolate chip cookies and got ready to go to our Stake's Pioneer Day celebration.

Right now it is 9:50pm and I can still hear Hadley & Lauren giggling and talking while lying in Vincent's bed.  Gentry went to sleep hours ago & Vincent is trying to fall asleep in our bed because he will be having a sleepover with his cousins in Chino tomorrow night.  Those two girls have been laughing and being silly all evening but I love it.  I know that Lauren welcomes any chance she can be a part or included with the big kids.  And to have Hadley all to herself and the two of them enjoying themselves . . . I'm certainly not going to put an early stop to it!

This morning before church Hadley discovered that she was assigned to share a scripture and say the prayer in primary.  She became so anxious and fretted about it that by the end of sacrament meeting she was in tears and inconsolable.  I had a meeting and Chris was attempting to help her but had to leave for a moment to check on the other kids.  When we turned to go back to her we saw a sweet young woman, Sarah Jensen, the bishop's daughter, sitting with Hadley and attempting to help her or give her comfort.  I wrote Sarah a thank you note today for her Christ-like act in noticing someone in need and being confident in helping.  I write this so I won't forget to share/remind Hadley of an amazing example of the type of young woman she can try to emulate.

The kids are excited to hear of our plans for our first real family vacation next month.  Lake Mead with the cousins & Curtis and capped off with a trip to Utah to visit SLC and Provo among other places.  I am looking forward as well, hoping no one gets sick and that the plans can go smoothly.

Update

The Sawyers came to sacrament meeting with us and left right afterwards for mom's house.  We had an awesome three days with them starting on the 4th of July.  A lot of swimming, Ping-Pong, and a trip to San Diego as well.  It was so fun to have cousins come and stay here with us for three nights to escape the AZ sun for some cool weather.  After they left and we had to finish our church block - a few of us had a difficult time adjusting to the change 'back to normalcy.'

Vincent bore a beautiful testimony again today in sacrament meeting about how there was a kid at school who annoyed him and was always talking to him.  One Sunday he came home and read a scripture about being nice to our neighbors.  He read it over and over again and then he tried it at school the next day.  He said it worked and was happy for that.  What a sweet spirit he is!

Lauren has been in heaven having cousins all around to play with.  She and Gentry had a great time playing wit Colton when the King's were here as well this week. 

This next week starts our first one of 'real' summer as I call it because we have no obligations like swim lessons or anything.  Gentry finished swim lessons last week and it is absolutely amazing what a little fish she is swimming around in the pool now!  Hadley is missing Abby and wishing she could have stayed for longer.  I had a great time hosting a family with 'sleepwalkers' and we all got a very good laugh.

Update

Gentry gave her first scripture & prayer in junior Primary today.  It was very cute as I whispered the words to her and urged her to speak more into the microphone.  She enjoyed it and seems to come out of her shell little by little.  I mostly worry how she will do without her siblings, particularly Lauren there with her to encourage her or make her feel safe.  Gentry & Lauren seem to have a bit of a love/hate relationship.  I'm not quite sure Gentry realizes how much she relies on Lauren's outgoing personality or that she would do/try half the things she does if not for Lauren.  Tonight Gentry begged to play a game on the computer - which I set up for her but Lauren immediately comes and begins to play the game 'for' Gentry bc she can't really do it.  But Gentry is happy to have that help bc technically, she can't play it by herself.

Nine days left of the school year before three of my 4 children are in school.  The summer will come all too quickly I'm sure but I hope to have a jump on plans and for using every day well and growing my relationship with each child.  It will take more effort no doubt but well worth it.

Chris and I have be easing ourselves into talking to a business about renovating the kitchen.  It sounds all so exciting and yet so daunting.  As of now, we are going to continue our efforts in replacing the windows for the house and keep considering options for the kitchen. 

Baseball Life Lessons

A week or so ago Vincent relayed the following to me:

He told about how at school he was shushing some of the other students to be quiet for the teacher.  Then the teacher thanked the other kids for quieting down but did not thank him for doing the 'shushing.'  He related this experience to being like hitting a sacrifice bunt play in baseball so another guy could advance bases . . .

Deep baseball-related thoughts for a 1st grader.

Update

(took pictures - will try & update post when I figure out how to get them off phone camera)

Had a nice Mother's Day Sunday.  It helped that I cleaned the house on Saturday evening so as to have a more relaxing morning.  The kids & Chris were sweet but the morning still centered somewhat on getting ready for church.  Got a pitch-fork-thingy from Chris for turning compost in our new composter - not entirely romantic - but very practical which is the way we like things (most of the time :)

We enjoyed a nice dinner over at Bryce & Sharon's house.  Sylva and Curtis came.  A nice walk after dessert felt great except for the mini heat wave we are having.  Was 7pm and still hadn't cooled down quite enough.  The kids played happily - Dallin & the girls out back playing make believe Swiss Family Robinson and Vincent with Landon & Wyatt playing ball on driveway. 

Chris and Vincent had Father's and Sons campout this week.  Vincent loves nothing better than getting out and being a real 'boy' with the other boys in the ward.  Played a baseball game as a 'filler' for his old t-ball coach who was short players and caught three fly balls!

We girls went to downtown Orange on Saturday with Grandma & A.Molly to do some unsuccessful antiquing and toy shop, then lunch.  The heat drained most of our energy so we ended early, caught the last bit of Vincent's game and came home and tried to keep cool.