Growing Pains

The boys and I drove to see Amber and Jeremy this weekend with Mom and Dad. Ash couldn't come because she was at girls camp. We really enjoyed hanging out with Jeremy, Amber, Cole and Cali. It was weird not having Ashalee there and I continue to have major issues with her growing up. Speaking of growing up, I have never stayed with Amber and Jeremy as now they are adults. Except one problem, nobody told me. You see, Amber and Jeremy were made for each other, I truly believe that. And like most married people both or one party often forgets. It's strange watching your littlest brother morph into a man, trying to provide for a family and parent two children. As I watched Amber and Jeremy live in the real world of parenting, marriage and just plain surviving I was so inspired by how much they have to offer the world through their own personal lives and through their children. I admire their strength to keep on going even when it is rough. I know they will continue figuring things out and I will LOVE to attend their fiftieth wedding anniversary, with their children and family surrounding them, where they can stare in each other's eyes and be able to say, "What a ride!" I love them both so much, and I know they love each other. I also got to see Kristi on this trip my the baby, youngest, the spoiled one whatever most people call the youngest member of the family. She is no longer any of those. She is a strong, beautiful women with two children that are blessed to have her as a mom. She is patient and loves her children, and once again I was never informed of the transformation she is continually making. She is no longer a little girl, I'm not sure when that happened. So what I have concluded from all this is that I am obviously the only one that still has to grow up, but do I have to?

The two cutest boys in the world

Three generations of really cute men.

I miss Ashy

So Ash is at youth conference at Snow College with her blue hair. (She thought they might kick her out.) They probably would have if she were going to BYU. There are some real straight laced weirdos at that school that are just looking for someone to kick out :). My point is that I REALLY miss her. It's just not the same around here. There is no one to talk politics, religion, morals, other people and our own misjudgments, and of course if the guy playing Edward in the twilight movie is hot. While she has been gone I have suddenly realized how much I love talking to her and listening to her. She is at that stage where she can conceptualize an idea and look at it from any angle and choose cognitively and in her heart what SHE feels is right. It is quite an amazing thing to watch. She is so bright and loves to debate hot topics that she feels strongly about(just say the word abortion or holocaust and you've got one heck of a fight standing in front of you with blue hair.) So the blue matches her perfectly, but it will only last so long. Tuachan doesn't allow any color in hair, in fact she will be spending the next four years in khaki pants and polo shirts. But I know she will shine no matter what her hair color or clothing is because that's what she does best. Ashy come home! Here is a before and after. BEFORE
AFTER

More Spirit of West Coast Pictures

Wishing we could all go back!