More Bug Zoo Pics

The Bug Zoo in Victoria

Grant, Alex, Dallyn & I went to Victoria to spend the day with Clint, Chris & the cousins. We went to the bug zoo because the boys decided against golf. It actually turned out to be really cool and I was amazed with my 4 & 6 year old nieces who had no fear of the bugs and held them without a flinch. Scorpions, Millipedes, Cockroaches....you name it they had it and everyone except me held them.....I have to admit it was a great.

Valley Veiw Elementery Marimba Concert

Alex & Dallyn were invovled in the Valley View Elementery Marimba Concert on March 17th. Because I had a RS committment, Grant was left to take the kids. With Alex & Dallyn being #4 &# 5 we have been to more school concerts & performances than we can count and Grant was less than excited about going. This is are first year in Courtenay and we had no idea what to expect. It was absolutely AMAZING! Their music teacher Mrs Turner is awesome. I was so dissapointed I wasn't there and Grant forgot the camera to boot. Their school assembly was a few days later (thanks Michelle for recording them) and yes I too think they were amazing.

Youth Temple Celebration

Holly, Bailey & Madison are getting ready to participate in the Youth Temple Celebration as part of the events surrounding the dedication of the LDS Vancouver Temple the first weekend in May. They have attended rehearsals in Nanaimo(Feb) & Victoria(Mar) for the dances & musical numbers the are in.

As part of the rehearsal in Victoria the girls were fitted with their costumes. They really do love their pioneer dresses and were surprised at how much the skirts twirl in the dances. Bailey was excited to learn she has a small acting part in the Relief Society scene....her acting debut.

This will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for my girls. We are also very humbled to learn that President Thomas S. Monson (Prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) will be speaking to the 1000 youth from all over BC and northwestern Washington State, following their stage performance on May 1st. Being able to be apart of the dedication of a new temple is an amazing experience as a family...we are truly blessed.

They liked him, they really, really liked him.

After two years on the graveyard shift, Grant has returned to the day shift. I couldn't be happier. Grant is quite happy too...but it is a total change. Now its shirts & ties, no more shorts & t shirts. It is much easier on all of us to be on the same sleeping schedule. Grant & I have discovered we both have the same favorite pillow ; we are having to learn to share again. Grant quite liked his night crew and as a farewell they shirk wrapped his car to the light pole....they liked him, they really, really, liked him.

Not Again?!

Goose Spit Beach August 2009

Its only been six years scince we lost my mom, after a long battle with mental illness and COPD. I never thought the phrase "here we go again" would enter my mind, so soon, but in the last six months or so it has.

Less than two years ago, my Dad had a scheldule that would make a person half his age dizzy. Teaching, Gigs, Rehearsals, Concerts, Tennis, Travel, Coffee. His days were full. But now...nothing. Opening mail or getting a hair cut seems to be a major ordeal. His ability to cope with the everyday stresses of life is gone. He has withdrawn almost completely from his grandchildren, friends and extended family. The joy and fulfillment he once felt has now been replaced by fear, aixiety, & depression. His obsession with boxed wine makes it difficult to distinguish between medical, mental health & addiction issues.

For the last year or so Kelli & I have been encouraging my Dad to make a move to Utah. He needs supervision & support. Each time he gets close he changes his mind. I do not want to walk this road again.

But I know...prayers are heard. Two of my Dad's life long friends have now stepped forward and offered to help Kelli & I in any way they can.

I have no idea what the future holds for my Dad or Kelli or I...But I do feel blessed with a twin sister that has walked this journey before, with me and will again; a husband and children who love me unconditionally; forever friends that have become family; and the knowledge that I have Heavenly Father who loves me and will hold my hand trough this.

I do not know why mental illness has touched both my parents. I would be lying, if I said I have never thought "This is NOT FAIR!" or "Why isn't my family normal." It is not fair,I don't think life is supposed to be, but I would not trade the lessons of compassion, faith, humility, & love I have learned and will continue to learn.

I love my Mom & my Dad... I would not be the person I am today without them.