A month of Rebecca

*I wrote this post for my own blog I would have written it a little different for this blog but so as to not have to rewrite it I'm posting it as is*

My cousin Rebecca Wadsworth ("REEbecca" as Hyrum calls her  or "Cousin" as Noah called her for the first few weeks) came and lived with us for the better part of the month of April while she got everything ready to start school at BYU this spring.  It all started one sun shiny Friday (the 5th) when she and her dad rolled up in front of my house.

Hyrum wanted his friends here to meet her. He wanted to show her off. Both he and Noah fell in love with her when she came to visit the very end of February to check out BYU and some cosmetology schools.

My aunt Kim and Rebecca surprised them with those capes and they became a permanent addition to every outfit

While here in she found out that she'd been accepted to BYU for the spring a mere two months away. She was on the fast track after that and she was as committed to that pace as anyone could be. She went home withdrew from her former school and started packing to come here.

The  boys were so excited for her to be here. They were such good helpers with her things and getting them into the house.

One of her perfume bottles burst over the mountain range and it filled her room with scent. It was the beginning of remembering what it's like to be a girl for me. Her dad is my dad's baby brother and he wasn't in our house for more than 5 minutes when Hyrum said "You look like Papa!!" and indeed he does.

Acts so much like him as well, which is funny since he is 15 years younger than my dad!  My dad was up and out of the house by the time my uncle was 3 or 4 years old.  They didn't really grow up together yet they are so similar.  He and Elijah bonded pretty quick. Especially when he let Eli sit in the truck.

The next day was General Conference and before it started Derek took Uncle Rich and Rebecca around campus to give them a bit of the lay of the land.

Then it was back to watch Conference all together

and take a quick nap ( there are few who can resist the power of a sleeping baby )

Then it was a full lunch and a fathers blessing before heading back home for my Uncle Rich. The initial separation was a little rough.

The next few days she got settled and more due to her personality than my hospitality she seemed to feel very at home here very quickly.  It was different having a girl in the house. I'd forgotten what it was like to live with girls having lived exclusively with boys for the past 10 plus years. Everything she owned seemed to have an incredible scent and she sat in front of the mirror and did her hair in all of these amazingly cute ways. She always dressed so cute as well. I found myself looking with wary eyes at my wardrobe that contained outdated clothes and ratty tee shirts that I just wore around the house. A true mommy of boys wardrobe. I began to realize how things had changed for me over the years. I was always too practical for too much indulgence but I felt the stirrings of my inner girly girl.  One day Rebecca got out her nail polish and was going to paint her nails BYU blue so I got out my paraffin wax bath and decided to make it a bit of an in house salon day.

We scrubbed, exfoliated, soaked, lathered and filed.  Then we got ready to paint and then I remembered why I don't do this much anymore.  Noah called from down the hall that he needed to go to the bathroom.  I ran off to help trying as hard as I could not to touch anything. No luck.  Then there was drinks and then there was snacks and then Elijah woke up.

Life of a mother with young children doesn't allow for freshly painted nails.  I gave up and took it all off.  Later for my birthday she took me to get a shellac manicure. It doesn't chip or smudge once it's cured and stays on for 3 weeks. That's my kind of nail polish.

Another thing I realized while she was here was the pace of a mothers life. Filled with a million different little tasks but not ever really doing anything. And going anywhere with 3 kids it's a bigger challenge than I was usually willing to take.  Especially going to boutiques and shops that she always made note of as we drove through town. And not really knowing any one else in the state (besides one boy she was trying hard not to encourage) she was bored out of her mind!! So I tried to think of things to do that we'd all enjoy.

And

the

boys

love

bowling

We did it several times. On campus of course

She was so good with the boys. She was my eyes when I was making dinner or distracted. My back up when I told them to do something or not do something. She also had epic sword fights with them

And Noah went running with her

She quickly learned that it was better to have them run with her when she was on a cool down lap.

Despite his pace he probably did at least 4 laps around the park which is probably a mile in total!

Hyrum enjoyed watching her go from slow mode to medium mode to fast mode to MEGA MODE!!!

The time she was her it also became her mission to get Eli to walk. Seemed every day she was telling us that he would be walking before long. When she got here he was army crawling and just barely pulling himself to stand but wouldn't stand by himself but it wasn't long before he was starting to stand by himself

And three days before she left he began to take steps

Unless we were video taping...of course.

Rebecca had been a volleyball player at the last school she attended and as luck would have it the BYU men's volleyball team was in the in the playoffs. So we decided to go to a game together. It was later than the boys could stay up so Derek stayed home and watched the first set with them on KBYU while we headed off to be there, and feel the energy. It was super fun.  It was her first introduction to the D1 sports at her new school and she LOVED IT!!

I'd made dessert which we were dying to eat but we were too full we left so we put some in Tupperware and stashed it in our purses to eat at the game. When moments got tense we busted them out. 

 They ended up being conference champs and we went to all the play off games. One of the nights of the playoffs was also graduation and we got to see the "Y" lit up as well. 

We also hit a baseball game after getting our nails done but it was a little chilly and they were winning so we headed home.

We hit Cafe Rio, In and Out burger

Jamba Juice

Magleby's fresh, Carls Jr. and of course introduced her to fry sauce. Some of the Western staples.

We also took her on test drives to get her acquainted with the grid system of the Utah streets. This worked well until we got on a rebel road that didn't follow the rules ( aka named streets that wind around everywhere) by the time she left us she could get to our house, work, school and to the grocery store what more would she need to find?

Derek she and I stayed up nights talking about awkward dates, crazy pick up lines, introducing her to the missionaries out in the field from our ward, watching Humor U videos and sharing mission stories. It was just so fun to get to know her and have her get to know us.

Another thing that was really great about her living with us was to tell her more about our Grandma Nellie who died when she was 7. I also shared the transcribed journals of hers. Recordings of story books and her singing that were recorded on letter tapes when she was serving missions. She told me that one of the major reasons she went into choirs when she was younger was so she could sing like my grandma.  I also provided her with the recipe for her hot fudge. I don't think any grandchild of Nellie Wadsworth should be without that.

Today was the day for her to leave us. We are sad for her to go but just know she is going to have the time of her life. This morning we loaded up the van

And her car and also Derek's trunk...she had a few things. We followed her to Provo and as she waited in the center lane to turn into her apartment complex I saw her head bouncing around from excitement. It made me excited too.

The boys again helped her get everything into her apartment and we tried to get her as settled as possible then we gave hugs and went home.  After we got back we were walking up to the house after getting the mail and Noah said "Where's Rebecca?"  I said "She lives in Provo now remember?  We took her things into her room there this morning."  He looked up at me and said "But she has a room here!!"

Surely this will be an adjustment. But we can't wait to hear all of her stories and see how she loves this new chapter in her life!

Wonder of wonders

An idea for family time at the beach house had been in our thoughts for several months, and much anticipated for some obvious reasons - relaxation, time with all of our daughters and their families together, in a lovely environment (on Lake Michigan), summer weather...

In reality it has been a very special occasion, more than we had even imagined.  The events that came together, some at the last minute, have been something of amazing to me.

The idea of a stay on Lake Michigan, in a private residence was the stuff of dreams for me - and certainly - something I dared only dream of.  When I determined that my lovely companion was serious  about such a venture, I couldn't imagine such a reality, given what it would likely cost; not to mention the likelihood of everyone being able to arrange busy lives to all cooperate with the same time frame.  When I was convinced to, at least,  see what kind of facilities might be available, I was further skeptical when anything I saw did not allow accommodations for as many as we had.

Finally, Holly suggested a website she was aware of that might provide some options.  It was then that we happened upon the property that pretty much fit our need.  Then we learned of Derek's sabbatical from work upcoming this summer.  I was encouraged.  We needed only to hope that they would be able to make a trip here (no small arrangement for them).  There was still the others schedules... and the COST!

It was suggested that we all share the cost equally (not sure how that would work - especially considering the additional cost of travel for the Tangrens.  Though it seemed impossible, everyone (except Greg) was able to squeeze time out for the same.  My only regret was that Greg was unable to be there until the culmination of the time together - the Sunday following.

Holly's experience with planning reunions with the Averys was most helpful in getting food arranged for, and Nikki's willingness to share her excellent teaching talents for FHE were perfect for the occasion.  We were delighted and, frankly, quite surprised with the success of the FHE activity ("Everything you wanted to know about grandma and grandpa, but didn't think to ask").  As it was we had to to close before questions stopped coming.

Of the many memories each will have, only some are: the planned beach activity (that thankfully, Holly pretty quietly orchestrated), the kite flying and the sand sculpture contest (she and Nathan also providing a watercraft that proved to be very popular) - which reminds me of Nathan's famous Mac n' Cheese and he and Ethan's smoothies.  And that reminds me of Nikki's delicious Cafe Rio Chicken, and all the  good eatin' we had.

The memories of the location cannot go without mention - the expansive view of the "unsalted" sea all along the horizon, with it's beautiful clear, clean waters, extensive sand bar for shallow, safe water play, the stunning sunsets, the footprints of wildlife left in the sands while we were elsewhere, warm gentle breezes, the beach grass hugging the path from our perch on the dune to our own private beach - unpopulated for miles, the scent of "sea spray" candle fragrance, and the comfortable (for the most part) private home we occupied - together.

The greatest delight for everyone was the fact that the Tangren's came from across the country and shared those darling boys with us.  Elijah was probably the most popular (followed closely by Noah =).

There were those many casual conversations between cousins, daughters, sons-in-law, etc., and who could forget that great game night, planned and carried off by Kobe.  There was the popcorn and marshmallows at the fire bowl with FHE, the T-shirt and FHE lesson storybook as take home reminders - and probably "tons"of "special" rocks and sand (in our shoes and other belongings).

And on and on... fireworks, nature photos, creative photography, relaxation, reading, pastel painting, sand drawings, sand casting, rock hunting, hugs, naps (at least, Noah, during lunch), a little tiki torch excitement, "yo ho ho, a pirates life for me", a birthday party - and presents for past occasions, hanging out in the cousins "dorm", Sunny locked out on a high balcony without any way to remedy (save for Nathan's rescue), etc., etc.

I especially liked the fact that though there was a TV, we only watched a video one evening with Jackson who was going through withdrawal - having no wii or basketball hoop to play with.  It, too, was a good relaxing, bonding time and it provided a theme for one of our successful sand sculpture entries.

And what could be a better finale for the week than EVERYONE being there with friends and some extended family for the baptism of Jackson and Jaleigh; a perfect end to a wonderful, wonderful weekend.

Ozzy earns Arrow of Light

Pam's son, Ozzy Otto, received his Cub scout Arrow of Light last week.  What a great accomplishment!  His dad, Alex, has been a great help, attending nearly every scout meeting with Ozzy. 

For those who haven't heard yet...

Elijah Luke Tangren was born on April 19, 2012 in American Fork, Utah, Utah ( for all of the family history people out there )  Weighing 7 lb 10 oz and measuring 19 inches ( for all of the`statistics people out there)  I went into the hospital to be induced but before they were able to give me the pitocin I'd already started to have contractions so that helped things to move along faster.  Four and a half hours later he was here.

We just liked the name Elijah and then he's distantly named after me with Luke which means "Light giving" since he was due on my birthday and was born two days after my birthday.

The other boys love "Baby Eli" already.

In other news Hyrum started Tee ball on Thursday.  He's so excited and is doing so well already. His team is called the Pirates and his number is 8.  We can't wait for his first game on the 12th of May.  We hope Mema and Papa can stay long enough to see it. 

                                        

Hey Family

I hope more family members will get on this site soon and "SHARE" what's been going on in their lives.  I'd love to catch up on what everyone is doing.

My family just got back from a trip with Holly and family.  We went to Disney World for 5 days and then a 3 day Disney Cruise to the Caribbean. It was very fun to be together.  It works out nice since we have the teenagers (Jillie, Ethan, Reagan), then the Middles (Saroya and Kobe) and the Littles (Jaleigh and Jackson)- so everyone has a friend to hang out with.  (Although there were times when it was boys vs girls too).  We made a lot of good memories.

Back in the real world though, the kids are working hard to get caught up from missing a full week of school. :-/  

Reagan is in after school rehearsals almost every day.  She is part of her middle school show choir, she is singing in a solo and ensemble competition this weekend as well as performing in her middle school "Cabaret" show.  She's got a solo- "Popular" from Wicked and a duet from another musical that I don't remember right now- as well as performing in the ensemble numbers.  Anyhow, big day for her this Saturday :)

Jackson is very busy these days too- seems every week we have another visit to a doctor.  Since we moved here to Ohio in August he's been starting to create a new team of doctors.  He has seen multiple specialists and had more tests run and we are not done yet.  In Buffalo they tentatively diagnosed him with mild hypotonic cerebral palsy, but he doesn't fit any mold perfectly they they continue to put together the puzzle that is Jackson. :)  It's not easy- I hope we can find more ways to help him.  He's such a sweet boy and doing well in 1st grade - and on his basketball team too! :)



Anyhow- enough from me right now.  Post some updates and pass the word!!

I finally figured out how to write on the family blog!

I think I finally figured out how to write on the family blog!  Not much exciting here right now.  I put up a shelf in my bedroom.  I wish it were a cupboard because the birds (cockatiels who fly free in the house most of the time) get into everything.  They chew anything they can from paper to wood, and they love to pull all the pins out of my pincushion.
I went to the temple three times last week.  So nice to live near a temple.  When Alex starts work and I start watching the kids temple time is difficult to find.  I'm doing genealogy research a lot now too:  Also harder to achieve when I have the kids.
Does anyone know who the child in the lower left is (turned away)?  He looks about 4 and is near Richard Horatio W and wife Irene.

Richard W. Wadsworth and some of family about 1925

Tangren update

Pretty sure most of you have recieved the Christmas/New Years/Valentine's Day cards by now unless I didn't know where you were. :) If you didn't get one and want one please send me your address and I'll get you one as fast as I can.

Looking forward to this coming year though. We are expecting baby boy #3 in April ( on my birthday although no one is expecting a baby ON my birthday) We still have no name for said child so any suggestions are appreciated. We seem to be following Trent's example with all boys but with much less variety. But you never know we may actually be following Char's example and there will be a little girl on the end. We'll see how three boys is. We are planning to take the plunge into minivanhood in the next couple of weeks so we can all ride in the same car. Then we'll start saving to finish the basement.

Hyrum loves preschool now that his best friend from the neighborhood is in his class. Nothing as cool as Celia's forest school ( yes Jeannie I'm calling you out to tell us all the wonderful things that are happening in North Carolina) but he loves it nonetheless. Noah is eager to be just like Hyrum even as far as the potty goes. So he will probably be potty training much sooner than Hyrum's 3 year benchmark.

Derek is still traveling with work but it hasn't been as frequent as it was this last summer which we're really happy about. He was made a team lead recently so he won't have the client load he has had. Hopefully that will make for less travel in the future.

Sunny is enjoying the last few months of the slow paced life before another little guy gets here. At some point we need to decide where we're going to put his clothes and where we're going to put Noah when he does get here. We're nervous about putting up the bunk beds with Noah, who's a climber and top heavy, around.

Until I have something more exciting to add...I look forward to reading what's new with all of you! :)