Our Last Visitors on Linda Drive

My sister, Amy came to California for her birthday and of course to visit me and to learn to surf. Larry took her surfing twice in exchange for my new massage skills.

Everyone played in the tree in our front yard except me. We ate and ate and ate sushi and more sweets than I usually eat in a year; like birthday cake, (seen here), Tom's famous crepes, and homemade elephant ears right before we sent them on a plane back to Nebraska.

They'll be back.

He's Gaining Bravery

Preschool Graduation is the first time Travis stood before an audience and actually sang a song. He didn't sing, Each of Us is a Flower, though. Tom said it was because he knew it was a girly sounding one.

He said he's ready for kindergarten and his teachers all think so too. I'm still praying for more time. Read more here.

You Say 'Hill', I Say 'Tell'

For Travis's birthday, he asked to go to a 'hilltel'. He knows it's 'hotel' now. I should have had more restraint. I didn't correct Makayla when she used to say 'over rails' for overalls or Matthew when he'd call his shoes 'tena boos'. These affections expire too soon as it is.

He also asked for luggage and a custom cake. And he got everything. Especially after I heard this:

Matt: (For his birthday cake) I want toothless (the dragon) on it with iron man too.

Travis: Matt! (angrily) Mom can't make that.

Me: Yes I can.

Travis: I want a secret spy agent who walks on the ceiling with laser eyes and a green bad guy with fire coming out of his shoes. (random)

Our amazing friend Glenn created this cake top for Travis's birthday.

I'm still learning about Travis and his ways of being. He's only 5 ya know.

He has clear intention and always has. He is tender and loves affection, but only if it's me or dad. He is funny and clever and so very smart. He's not comfortable around strangers and he's still learning how to treat his friends. He doesn't like to comb his hair, wear matching clothes or go to church...yet.

I know in my heart, I was meant to be Travis's mom.

He noticed immediately his honor board didn't have one single picture of Makayla. Here you go, Travis...I usually accept a challenge...and you usually get what you want.

(Going through pictures, I forgot this one. And it shouldn't be forgotten. Makayla made these for Travis. Proof...she likes him.)

G'day M8 He's 8

The Church of Jesus Christ of

Latter-Day Saints

REDONDO FIRST WARD BAPTISM

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Presiding: Bishop Dennis Cottle

Conducting: Paul Clark

Pianist: Amy Clark (My dear friend who moved most recently)

Chorister: Bonnie Crook (My North Star)

Opening Song: I Am a Child of God Pg. 301

Opening Prayer: Shannon Allard

Talk on Baptism: Tim Curtis

Baptism of Max Allard by Elder Paul Bluthe

Baptism of Matthew Curtis by Tom Curtis

Slide Show Interlude (Created by Shannon...amazing!)

Talk on Holy Ghost: Collin Jager

Confirmation of Max Allard by Elder Paul Bluthe

Confirmation of Matthew Curtis by Tom Curtis (Beautiful Blessing...as always)

Primary Welcome: Karalea Richards (Primary President...dear friend)

Bishop’s Welcome: Bishop Cottle

Closing Song: The Church of Jesus Christ

Closing Prayer: Tom Curtis

Here is another opportunity to remember Matthew's divinity. He turned 8.

I am so blessed he was born into MY family. Just as Tom said in his blessing...he is a ROCK for our family. To me, he is pure light, obedient, present, innocent, compassionate, creative, and courageous. Matthew I love you.

The T-Shirts Were Green This Year

More than 4,500 people participated in this year's Mud Run. I was very quick to get my race number, but not so quick to finish the race. Of course, I beat the 2 hour 45 minute time limit. This year was a different experience as I walked the entire course (minus a few jog sprints).