summer continued...

swim lessons

days of '47 rodeo

tracy aviary

draper kids parade

Thanks Trev for the box seats at the Rodeo!

The Prophet was watching with us.

Fun parks

Ben learned to crawl.

Noah trying to yard sale on his own.

more birds

fourth of july

...parades, swimming, fireworks, bbq's with cousins and family on both sides.  so fun.

full hearts, full circle

It's taken a while to write this blog. but it's time.  Josh's dad Kenneth Alden Stika died July 9, 2012.  Ten months after hearing the difficult prognosis of terminal esophangal cancer (with approximately 2 months to live). This year has been filled with healing, struggles,  miracles, and moments.  I share just a few of those moments that will be stay with me...

Memorial day 2012 a last minute decision Ken came with us the cemetary where we searched long and found his mothers grave under a shady tree on the corner next to a field.  Josh and his mom and dad all stretched out on the grass under that shady tree,  Ken telling stories of his mom, some new to Josh.  As I ran around playing tag with the kids and seeing that sweet scene of that circle of life. He choose to be buried there shortly there after.

Both Kiara and I were pregnant at the time we found out and at the time I wasn't sure if Ken would be here for them to be born.  Both Jesse and Benjamin arrived in October and then news of Reo and Liz expecting thier first child came.  Baby Elliot was born just days before his passing and was the will that kept the difficult fight for life in him those last few months. 

Benjamin got to have both his grandpa's in the circle for his baby blessing.

Shortly after posting about Ken's diagnosis a comment was left on my blog by a man trying to get a hold of Ken Stika.  It was a son from a previous marriage.  They were able to reunite, connect and meet siblings and family build relationships that will surely go on.

There were several jam sessions at the guitar shop that happened filled with those moments as well funny ancedotes from talented musicians that were touched by Ken.  During a few Ken stood up and shared his thoughts and love.  The night of the funeral there was one of those same musical round table were certain songs brought on communal singing were everyone took part.

Josh was heading down on one of those last few nights to be with his dad.  I had talked to the kids if they wanted to draw a picture to send with Daddy to give to Grandpa Ken.  Noah brought me this little post where he had written all by himself in his little handwriting...I love you Grandpa.  I will see you in heaven.

It was a beautiful, honest, and inspiring service.  It was an opportunity to reflect and share with my own children my own testimony that there is a heaven.  We are divine by nature.  That we are children of loving Heavenly Father who wants us to come home and live with him eternally.  We are so grateful for the time we had Grandpa Ken in our lives.

pistachios

my sweet miserable boy

After the meds started kicking in.

Ben came for the adventure and both boys got blankets from the volunteers.

I bought a huge bag of pistachios from Costco that the little girls and I love. I insisted that Noah just give it a try. just one. I'm telling him how yummy and good for him they are are.  So, reluctantly he went along with it.  I don't think he got the whole thing down before he was spitting and saying he's "allergic" ;) I give him a pat, pat and tell him he's not but he doesn't have to eat anymore if he doesn't like them. After a few minutes it turns into serious crying, telling me he needs to throw up and his throat is scratchy. I could tell by his demeanor he was feeling super bad.  At the time, I thought I was being EXTRA precautious by giving him benadryl and calling my doctor.  I explained the symptoms to the nurse she said to immediately hang up and call 911 or take him to an ER myself if I could be there within in 10 minutes.  We rushed off and sure enough he was throwing up hives over his body.  They tried 5attempts of an IV (both arms twice and his hands).  Five hours later, we have joined the epi pen carrying group, food allergy family.  SO scary that each exposure can bring more dangerous reactions.  We are still a few weeks out from seeing the specialist to see about other tree nuts but no pistachio pudding for my buddy.  He was a champ (esp. with the I.V) and loves sharing his war story of his hospital stay. 

peter pan camp

Clara and Noah participated in theater camp that prepared and preformed Peter Pan in just one week of practice.  Noah was a pirate (Shmee) and Clara got to be a fairy and an indian.  It exceeded all expectations. The kids absolutely LOVED going, participating and even performing.  My parents actually started dating while performing "Annie get your Gun" that my Grandpa directed then while Josh and I were engaged I choreographed and we both performed in "Hello Dolly" so I guess this makes the forth generation of musical performers.  The setting, the story of Peter Pan  is so magical.  The music has lingered with us all summer because of a CD recording they gave us to practice everytime we are in the car we listen and sing along.  I think the rest of my days I will have a sweet tender feeling come over me when I hear the lovely music.  I am so grateful my friend hosted and shared her SUPER talented sister for the week.  If you ever have the chance to have your children attend Cooney Camp,  make it happen! 

summer school, mommy style :)

Read Sunbread and made the recipe from the story

Part of "Car Camp" many of the ideas from my friends blog Toddler Approved.

Even Ben got in on the fun.

Ofcourse the car wash after the painting.

Sorting first then counting.

Building tracks is a tough job!

Marshmallows and toothpick fun (idea from curious george on PBS)

good start

impressive

expected :)

red light green light

mini volcanoes (vinegar with food coloring and baking soda)

I started off very motivated at the start of summer and here at the end.  We do things more like water coloring, play dough, and reading.