A lot can happen while the parents are away:
For one thing, just like Sophie, Mallerie came back from Ukraine! And just like the Goulding's, we were not there to meet her at the airport. Her siblings were though!
While we were in Alaska, Ava sent me this picture of the kids eating ice cream. I wrote back, "Look at that sunset behind you!" Turns out it was an advertisement.
While we were in Alaska, Ava sent me this picture of the kids eating ice cream. I wrote back, "Look at that sunset behind you!" Turns out it was an advertisement.
They carried on with the plan to have Grandma and Grandpa over for Sunday dinner. They served roast, scalloped potatoes, corn, salad and Binnie's biscuits.
Every so often Grandpa Mike would ask, "Where are the parents???"
They completed at 500 pc puzzle.
They did a knock-and-run treat-giveaway to a family who is moving from our neighborhood.
All on their own! I don't know why Callie chose to write that the cookies were from Grayson and Family. She is a funny girl.
Mallerie took Graham and Callie to Dr. Nord's pool party at Scera. She said it was fine except that the guy who likes her happened to be life-guarding. You can bet he was just giddy that out of all people, Mal would be there! She kept herself very busy with the babes, which I was grateful for.
Graham's voice changed! I know this is an ongoing thing but seriously, when I heard him and Tyson walked through the door with their squeaky voices, they just seemed so much lower. Graham even looked taller and older.
Graham's voice changed! I know this is an ongoing thing but seriously, when I heard him and Tyson walked through the door with their squeaky voices, they just seemed so much lower. Graham even looked taller and older.
Ava cut Callie's hair! She did a really great job, even better than the gal at the Beauty school.
Once we were back, we only had six days to spend with Mallerie before she flew to Hawaii.
She had an eye appointment where the Dr. dilated her eyes. If you have had your eyes dilated then you know you can't really see for a while afterwards. Mallerie was supposed to meet a family from her mission at the Farmer's Market. I drove her over and walked around with her till they saw her. I didn't know what they looked like, she couldn't see them, but they could see her. It worked!
I also saw my Dad's cousin who runs a crêpe stand with her husband. Her husband got talking to Graham about a flight school he does at Utah State every summer. I didn't think much of it, nor did I notice how it made Graham's eyes sparkle. After farmers market, it became a frequent topic of conversation. It looks like we are officially on to our next fascination.
Provo Falls - August 9, 2019
Up mirror Lake Highway are the beautiful Provo Falls. This was a first visit for us!
I pictured 12-year-old Graham bounding from rock to rock and even getting his feet wet, but he wasn't doing any of those things. He was nervous about bears.
The rest of us walked up the river a ways to eat our sandwiches. He thought we were absolutely crazy. His nervousness was making me a little jumpy.
Callie didn't care about anything!
More up Graham's alley was clay pigeon shooting. Anyone who saw him with a gun said, "He's a natural."
Sophie's Homecoming - August 11, 2019
We just can't seem to get the time conversion from Heber to Elko figured out and we showed up an hour early again! We got to visit a bit before heading to the church.
Sophie spoke straight from her heart and gave us such a good feel for her mission. I thought it would have been wise to forego the other speaker but they didn't. He spoke on the church's Pathway Program. Mallerie liked the joke he used, "Kissing is like a testimony, it is best when shared." I said, "I don't remember him even saying that. I only remember him talking about education." She said, "I guess be both heard what we needed to hear."
Sweet sisters and cousins showing love and support to Soph. This photo!!!😍
Mallerie told us riddles on the drive home. Grayson couldn't figure it out for the life of him.
"This is the quiet game if you listen very carefully you will know who it is..."
The girls wanted a photo on the salt flats as the sun set. I wanted a photo of the photo.
BBQ, Blessings and a Bouncy Ball! Monday August 12, 2019
We were invited to a BBQ the next evening at the home of one of Matt's counselors. When originally invited, I knew the date was going to be a tricky one since it was the night before Mallerie flew out. The other family that was invited was also pressed for time so it was a quick hour and then we were back home. Matt wanted to give the kids their back-to-school blessings and have one last FHE. As you can see the kids were very reverent for that.
Model Callie
Callie's music teacher invited her to be the model for an art class she teaches at UVU. Callie was a bit hesitant but it was only for a handful of female students and would just be an hour. The bonus was that her teacher paid her. Callie said she didn't mind.
In the weeks following, her teacher showed the progress she was making when Callie went to her music lesson. When she was finished, her teacher gave Callie the painting.
Callie said, "I don't know where to put it." I said, "The living room!"
It really captures Callie's essence. Her teacher said that when she paints someone, her goal is not for it to be an exact likeness because then you may as well take a picture. Rather, she likes to capture more of the feeling the person gives. I love it.
Sum sum summer!
At the beginning of the summer Matt assigned different areas of the yard to each kid to be in charge of. Ava had the back flowerbed. I remember seeing her out there weeding one day while Grayson watched. She was hunched over in the hot sun, he was eating a cinnamon roll. I can't think now where he would have gotten it except that Ava must have made it at work.
Temple Trip. How I just love everything about this picture.
While we were at the temple, Callie played games with Grandma Donna and did some light dusting. Emphasis on light.
I was concerned with me working at the temple during the summer, but the temple was closed for six weeks so it was fine. We could reunion and play without any conflict in scheduling. I went back to work at the temple on Tuesday August 13th. I got home that evening and feverishly started chopping onions. Matt had a meeting he needed to get to and I wanted him to eat first. In my haste I cut off the top corner of my left forefinger. It was bad. I bandaged it up and kept preparing dinner. As the evening went on the pulsating continued and the gauze kept soaking through. Still, the thought of having someone look at it or possibly stitch it made me want to faint. I didn't want anyone near it. It became a hassle in my life. I couldn't type, sewing was a nuisance, stuffing my hand into a garden glove was difficult and kneading bread with one hand is a pain. I wondered if it would ever heal. I have cut off the tip of my finger before to know that it does grow back but this was a sloooooow process. I was looking at my bandaged finger one day and marveling at how the body heals itself. Though it will take time and will leave a scar, my finger was healing all on its own.
The thought came to me, if my body is capable of renewal and healing of this magnitude, then my spirit is too. I felt peace knowing that my spirit can heal as well.
Sunday August 18, 2019
Matt told me that my name had been turned in by the Sunday School to teach Gospel Doctrine because they wanted to split the adult class. I thought how fortunate I was to be able to intervene. I told him I didn't think we need two classes, "That just makes it awkward." He came back later and said they were going to makes two classes. No problem. I gave him names who I thought would do a great job teaching and just to secure the deal I suggested callings that I would rather have. I figured I pretty much had the problem solved. Then Matt issued the calling the next week to teach Gospel Doctrine. If I have learned one thing about myself it is that if something scares me, I have to do it.
When I stood up in sacrament meeting to be sustained the next week, my former secretary looked at me with apologetic eyes and mouthed, "I'm so sorry." It made me feel like a lamb going to the slaughter.
The good thing about being in my early 40's is that I have put my foot in my mouth and embarrassed myself enough to know that those things aren't the end of the world.
The first time I taught I called a sister by the wrong name. I rang her up during the week to apologize. She was sweet, "Oh goodness, if I was that sensitive, I wouldn't even be here."
The next time while I was teaching it seemed my nose was extra runny (I always get a drippy nose when I am nervous). However, the look on the YW President's face made me look at my tissue. My nose was bleeding. I dabbed and pressed on.
This is me.
I have never read the New Testament cover to cover, so the last books of the Bible are not very familiar to me. Since that was the text, I had to spend a lot of time studying. This was good for me. The passages were more familiar than I thought they would be. Turns out I have read it all, just not in sequence. I have learned so much that I wouldn't have otherwise. I wish I was better at studying on my own. My class participates and it makes all the difference.
You know what? Surprisingly, this calling is okay!
It still catches me off guard to be shopping in Walmart and hear from a 65-year-old man,
"Hey, teacher!"
Spanish Hands
Callie was not excited that her fifth-grade year would be spent in the portables. For this reason, Matt and I attended to back-to-school night with her. She was pleasantly surprised with how spacious the classroom is and got excited at the thought of being away from the rest of the school. She was especially excited about her class. She had all her friends in the same class...finally! I was a little surprised how that worked out so well.
I took a picture of her with her friend Lily. I then said to them, "K, now do Spanish hands." Huh?
Interpret it how you will, but Spanish hands are more interesting than regular hands.
About a week into the school year I got a call from the Principal asking if I would be willing to switch Callie to the other class. He admitted it was their mistake, but they somehow put all the native English speakers in one class and studies show they do better mixed with native Spanish speakers. I understood what he was saying, it just seemed like switching anyone at that point would open a can of worms. I asked if any parents had complained that the students weren't mixed up enough. They hadn't. I asked if other parents were okay with their child being moved to another class. I was the first one he had called. Ah, I see. Well, I took a breath and asked if he would consider just leaving well enough alone? I said, "Personally, I am more interested in Callie enjoying 5th grade than learning Spanish. I've sent three other daughters through 5th grade so I know that is when friend groups start to really mean a lot." He thanked me for my honest answer and said they would still be making some changes and he was going to call the other parents. At least I was honest.
The following Monday night when Matt and I were setting up chairs for the outdoor cinema on the school field, the Principal approached me and said, "Mrs. Bocanegra, after our conversation I thought about what you said, and I have decided to take your advice and just leave it alone." I admitted that I don't know if it is the best solution but if no one is complaining why stir up trouble? He agreed.
And with that, Callie got to stay with her best friend group...AND be in the portables!
Back to School - Wednesday, August 21
For the first time Callie has a male teacher. She loves it, it's just different. She asked him for a marker. He said, "Do I look like the kind of guy that would have a marker?" She holds her own as you can imagine. When he learned she is the baby of six he said, "That explains a lot."
Blue light special
Graham upgraded his look with some blue light lenses. He is now what they call a "Sevie."
I had a Dentist appointment scheduled for that day in Orem and since High Schoolers didn't start till the next day, Grayson came with me. He had an appointment of his own, which was to get fitted with spacers in preparation for Invisaline!
Grayson asked me why I don't keep more snack foods on hand. I said, "Because it's expensive, and gives everyone cavities." He nodded in understanding, "It sounds like a lose-lose for you."
We went to lunch at Burger Supreme in Provo. The place was packed and yet I think I was the only female. We went to Costco and Gray found some clothes. He is very particular.
He really wanted to go to the BYU store. Finding a parking spot was no joke! We finally found a spot and walked across campus to the book store. It was soooo hot. As I looked around the store, I realized there was nothing there I would buy. I started to say, "Everything here is..." He finished, "Awesome. I could buy it all."
Huh.
He knew the trouble it was to physically get to the BYU store. "Thanks for taking me here mom."
It was a nice day hanging out with Gray. I like him.
I had to laugh (and I mean really laugh) at Ollie's first day of school picture.
Who does he remind me of???
Oh yeah, Graham's best friend!
It has been fun to see these two find each other again in Middle School. Tyson's family was living next-door when he was born so these two have literally grown up together. They moved about five years ago but are still in Heber. When Tyson came over he just walked around for a while, "This is the home of my childhood." It was sweet. He definitely helps bring out the silly side of Graham. We all get a good laugh out of Tyson stories. Well, Callie sometimes thinks differently.
She came in my room one day and lamented, "The boys won't stop chasing me!"
I said, "You know what? Boys love to chase girls. They just do." This seemed to be news to her. Then she thought about recess, "Yeah, they do!" She was in her room when I heard the boys come and say, "Callie can we please chase you?" She said, "Fiiiiine" and off they all ran.
Another time when Matt and I were eating dinner at a friend's, we came home and listened to Graham tell about how Tyson dressed up crazy and walked all around the neighborhood. Graham could hardly tell the story he was laughing so hard. 🤣
Tyson still calls me mom and he still calls Matt Steve.
25th Anniversary - Hawaiian Hideaway August 25th-26th 2019
I wanted to re-create our experience of 25-years-ago when we went to Hawaii to get engaged. I reserved a room at the Anniversary Inn to surprise Matt. He came home after meetings on Sunday, August 25th and laid down on the bed to decompress. He hadn't been in our room long when I said, "Let's get out of here."
He was delighted to learn he was all packed and arrangements had been made for a little get-a-way.
We headed to Salt Lake and didn't return until the following evening.
On Monday we went to the Salt Palace to help package food with the United Nations to stamp out hunger. As we packed food alongside others, they were impressed that we would choose to spend our anniversary serving. The guy next to me was mostly impressed that it has been 25 years. He said, "I only made it seven." I thought to myself, "It shouldn't be like trying to hold a pull-up."
Down the street we ate outside at a place Matt frequents, Red Rock Brewing Company. Aside from the flies, I was pleasantly surprised.
From there we headed to the Natural History Museum of Utah. Matt has never been there. The only reason I have is because of a field trip with Graham. It's impressive but it is still a museum, so I didn't want to pay. We went because it was FREE day and it is definitely worth seeing.
The architecture is really what impresses.
(Please keep in mind that I had been wearing a hairnet prior to this...)
We then drove to Sugar House and caught the movie, "Where'd Ya Go Bernadette?" Neither of us knew anything about it and we both enjoyed it. I have since read the book and I can say, the movie is better. Cate Blanchett really knocked it out of the park.
We chose Sugarhouse because we were meeting the kids afterwards for dinner.
We ate at the place we had our first date, the Olive Garden! Katrina was flying to Morocco the following Sunday so it was a good-bye of sorts as well. Olive Garden offers take home entrèes for $5! We sent a bag home for Giuseppe who was at a work retreat.
Grahams pants! Oh my.
The sky! Oh my.
An upgraded diamond. OH MY.
Swiss Days - Saturday, August 31, 2019
Graham started on the ride with us but didn't finish. He has been working on bikes all summer. He has a station set up in the side yard and everything. The tandem bike has really been giving him grief. He thought he had it all fixed though and we started off to Midway to attend Swiss Days. However, we were only halfway down Center Street when the chain came off. After monkeying around with it he decided to stay home and work on it. Side note: As Matt and Graham pushed their bikes, someone said to Matt, "Your bike seat is all nice and your son needs a new one." That's what we call NUNYA. Callie switched bikes and we were off again. As I followed her and Matt, I got to thinking how long it took for us to finally get on our way! Then the thought came to me, "You will be there when you need to be."
We had been looking around the shops for a bit when we crossed the street and I saw a little girl sobbing by the creek. I thought maybe she had dropped something in the water so I went to look. She hadn't dropped anything; she was lost and she was beside herself. She looked to be about four-years-old. I talked to her and learned that her mom's name was Amber and that she missed her mom so so much!
We looked around the area for a while and then decided we better take her to the main office. She came with us as we reported a lost child. Soon we heard the information go out over the loud speaker. I waited in the shadows just to make sure she was in fact reunited. Before long I saw a grief-stricken mother make her way through the crowd to the waiting station and they gave each other the biggest hug. As they walked back into the crowd, I approached them to let the mom know where we found her daughter. My momma heart sure felt for her and we gave each other a hug.
We were where we needed to be when we needed to be there.
Callie showed off some of her moves as we hung out on the lawn. Oh boy. We are not made in our family to move like this. Callie hurt her back. This is the last backbend she ever did.
We unlocked our bikes and rode home. It was a delightful evening. Knowing that whatever you buy is going to have to come home on your bike, keeps you from buying anything you can't consume.
The cinnamon roll was delicious.
Charcuterie is best when shared...
I met up with ChyAyn for a picnic at Scera at the end of August. How I love having some constants in my life. She is a constant. No matter how much time has gone by, we pick up right where we left off. We laugh, we cry, we eat. It's good.
We didn't realize we had set up camp right next to a frisbee golf station. From time to time a group of guys would come over. We found it odd that out of the big ol' park they would choose to play there. Then we realized, the mistake was ours. But a construction worker came and took a nap on the grass near us. His ears had to have been burning by the end of his "nap."
My Little Callie and Me
My Callie and I spend a lot of time together. She doesn't have any younger kids to entertain, she it's she and I, her and me, me and her.
This game of Monopoly went on for three days! Callie and I started it in August out on the back porch. We ended it in September at the table.
I guess that means we are into September!
