Texas Bound

 

I have been thinking this week about Natalie's first day of Kindergarten. That was a hard day. For me and for her. The closer the bus got to the bus stop, the tighter she held onto my hand. She had a firm grip by the time it had completely stopped. She looked up at me with her big blue eyes and I could see the fear there. I smiled and calmed her and said something really reassuring like "You can do it!" The roles are reversed this time, and I feel like I'm the one gripping tightly to her hand now. The closer the day gets for Natalie and Max's departure to Texas, the more sadness I feel. I know I can do this. But it's going to be hard.

Max will start physical therapy school at Baylor University. This has been a goal of his for a long time. One that he has worked really hard for. He is going to be a great student, and before I know it a  Dr. of Physical Therapy. Natalie will be right there by his side. Supporting, loving and helping. It's a good thing. Really. (I remind myself of that a lot these days.)

I am going to miss them. I'm going to miss Brittin. Terribly. I hope she doesn't forget me before I see her again. I'll miss her first steps, talking in sentences, lots of holidays and too many other things to list. We will Skype and talk on the phone and I'll say to her, "Grandma loves you." I've told her this as often as I could since the day she was born.

 

They will take a little piece of my heart when they go.

San Antonio is going to be a great vacation destination. :)

My Hubby And Me

Twenty-seven years ago today, Jeff & I began our journey as a married couple. And what a journey it has been! I can't think of anyone else who would have put up with me for that many years. :) We make a pretty good pair.

I am high-strung, he is laid back.

I am on time, he is late.

I am strict parent, he is and easy one.

I make quick decisions, he thinks things through.

I go to bed early, he stays up late. 

I am talkative and loud, he is more quiet and reserved.

I love the theatre, he loves sports.

He is patient and I am really not.

I remember the first time we met. We were both at a BYU football game. I was with my family and he was on a date. He will deny this, but he once told me that when he met me he didn't think I was cute. (Ouch!) 

I also remember the first time I was really impressed by him. Dee and I drove to California one summer and made plans to visit Jeff in Fremont for a couple of days. His parents had a group home for handicapped foster children and had 9 children living in their home at that time. One of them was a girl named Nikki who was paralyzed and had some brain damage. I remember him picking her up, giving her a big kiss, putting her in a wheel chair, and taking her outside. I thought to myself, "I could marry this guy!" And I did.

And of course I remember our first fight. :) He was teasing me about the theatre and my drama classes. I'm sure he didn't mean to offend, but he hurt my feelings, and I cried. (It was possibly after we had watched the 3rd or 4th football game that day.)

We've had a great 27 years together, sprinkled liberally with disagreements, fights, challenges and the many other normal things of married life. But he has been good to me. Always.

I love you Jeff. Thanks for 27 wonderful years. I'm hoping for 27 more.

Greenwood Update

Nothing exciting or crazy going on (thank goodness!) but everyone is asking so I thought I'd let you know what's going on with the Greenwood family.

Bryce is working at Four Pillar Fitness in Bountiful, Utah, as a personal trainer. He loves his job and is really good at it. Bryce also is the proud owner of his own event planning business, Enmotion. For the first time since he left home 8 years ago, (Yikes!) he is living on his own; no roommates! He lives in a studio apartment in Bountiful.  He starts work at 5 a.m., so if you want to talk to him, call before 8 p.m. We found a cute girl from Wyoming for him to date, so maybe we will be seeing him a bit more often. :)

Max, Natalie, & baby Brittin spent the spring and summer roaming. They will leave for San Antonio September 12th.  Max will be starting physical therapy school at Baylor University. It's been so wonderful to have them close by and even living with us on and off this summer. They were a huge help at home with Hailey during our two hospital stays. It's hard to think of them moving so far away, and especially taking Brittin with them! We are going to miss them so much, and the great influence they have on our family.

Mitch & Marissa are living in a cute basement apartment in Moses Lake, Washington, right on the lake. They are enjoying being newlyweds and spending time with each other. I love the phone calls I get from Marissa with newsy information. She tells me things like she is picking strawberries and raspberries from her yard, that her and Mitch (mostly Mitch) planted a garden, and asking for recipes for peas and potatoes. Mitch is working on the family farm and has had two quick trips to the emergency room for minor repairs from farm related injuries. Marissa is working at the car wash, making good tips and getting lots of sun.

Hailey has had to make so many hard adjustments these past few months. She started school on August 29th and has spent the last 2 weeks constantly in the gym playing volleyball. I am not exaggerating when I say that she spent 6-8 hours in the gym every day last week! Seriously! We hardly see her anymore! I am happy to report that she earned a starting spot on Star Valley High School's Varsity Volleyball team. It's weird to see the maroon and gold uniforms, and shoes. (Go Braves!) She is making new friends, meeting cute boys, learning to navigate a new, big high school and having a great attitude about life.

Paige is doing wonderfully, and healing and mending quickly. She has been walking every day and working really hard on her physical therapy. I am amazed at her progress and how much stronger she gets every day.  Jr. High starts September 4th, but she won't be quite ready to face 6 hours of sitting and walking and school quite yet. The school will provide a tutor to come to her home 3 times a week to keep her up on her school work. Even though she doesn't need her cane to walk anymore, we think she should take it to school to keep the boys away. :) Just an idea......

Jeff has been working really hard getting ready to start school next week. He had to re-certify and now is qualified to teach K-6 grade in the state of Wyoming. He is getting really excited for his new job. He's going to love teaching 6th grade and got to meet most of his students and their parents at "Back To School" night this week. He went to his new teacher orientation meeting and came home with $100 cash, a Mac Book computer and an ipad. (I love this district!) Jeff hates all things technology, but we are sure enjoying it! He has also had the burden of all the endless, little details of the move. New bank accounts, insurance, changing services from Idaho to Wyoming. So much more to do than we imagined. He 's been busy to say the least!

I have been busy too. Settling into our new house has been a long process. I haven't been home long enough to get too much done! My "interior decorator", Kathy Boden is coming to get my house fixed up tomorrow! It will be so nice to have things hung on the walls and the house looking cute the way only she can do. When things have slowed down, I will tackle the boxes in the basement. (I have the whole cold, long winter for that!) Cooking, cleaning, laundry, and getting everyone where they need to be, when they need to be there, fill my days. I love my job. It doesn't matter where I go, I am always employed. I just need to talk to my boss about a raise. :)

By the end of the month we will be scattered over 4 different states. Thank goodness for Skype calls, e-mails and cell phones. It makes staying in touch easy.

So there you go. We are all healthy and happy. I can't ask for more than that.
Life is good.