Sept 11- Smoke Day and Fishing

Randomly, there was a fire in the Davis Creek area that caused a couple fire days that we don't have to make up because it was a state of emergency. Christina took Eli out fishing and I went to the temple. It was a peaceful day, or as peaceful as it could be. So grateful for my son in heaven who is helping me through the very worst trial I could possibly go through. He lifts my spirits that constantly seem fallen. 

 

We love you sweet Joe

 

We don't get to the grave as often as I'd like. The main reason I go is because my Yiayia was big on visiting and paying respects. It's a reminder to me that our bodies at some point will have to be laid to rest... but always in my heart I know that his spirit is close by. I know he protects my children and that we will see him again.

11 years. Where does time fly to?

I say goodnight to him still every night.

And mom and yiayia and nono.

Stop dying people.

11 Years

The Cemetery stinks!!!!!!

What? 4:45?? How are people supposed to go??

We sang happy birthday at the gates because they are LAME and enjoyed some Yogurt Beach.

Sorry Sweet Boy.

Summer & Tahoe go hand in hand

After church on Sunday, we headed to Lake Tahoe. Of course, Sand Harbor was closed. Everywhere was packed and the traffic was pretty heavy.

It was HOT!!!!

And we don't have air conditioning because it builds character.

Seriously.

We are spoiled, we can endure.

Eli was totally stoked to go fishing. He made his pole and paper fish that he attached with a paper clip.

Paper worms did NOT work!
Darn it!

But he's got more ideas up his sleeve.

After a little bit we found out Sand Harbor was open, so we headed off. The sand is just cleaner and there was more room.

Love my best friend. She makes the world go round.

It was a great day. A perfect way to spend Baby Joe's birthday. With friends and full of laughter and love. I even got to swim in the lake!!! It was cold but not so frigid I couldn't get out pretty far.

Although, I didn't touch the buoy. 

I got freaked out the sea monster from Jurassic World was under me.

All these pictures thanks to Ram and Jody... higher Jody! Higher!!!

Jody hates taking pictures with me. Or touching me.

Just joking.

Ha ha.

So glad these kiddos get along so well and have such fun together!! We enjoyed burying them and then Ramya too!! #motheroftheyear #therealmeaningofwonderful 

#shouldofwouldofcouldofdouchylateef

Blood. Forever.

#8kidsandlookatthoselegs

Thank you Ram for such a good day. Thanks kiddos and Jody.

And thanks Heavenly Father for blessing us with the most perfect angel in heaven. It's not easy living life without him, but at least we know he is in the very best hands.

Doughnuts for Baby Joe's Birthday - 8 Years

7 Years - Happy Birthday Sweetheart

 

Um, is this Amber (Ram??) ?? Did I really not know that Amber gave my son his first bath? Such a small world.

 

Looked at flowers and cried.

Went to the cemetery and had lemon sunshine cupcakes-

the sprinklers were on and we couldn't get out of the car.

Went through every single picture.

Every single video.

 

Sometimes I think life is too hard.

But then I wake up the next day and just keep going.

 

I realize, whole and completely, that I am nothing and that God gives me every single ounce of strength. He doesn't take away the pain and hurt, but He offers comfort after.

Barnes & Noble Reading Program

 

We got our free books! When we were inside I realized that the girls will have to get a job here when they are older or Grassroots Books.

 

We headed to the library, currently Ella and Eli are in the top 5 in the county reading competition for their age group. We log minutes they are read to or read (for Eli) and they add up quickly.

Christina and Maria have almost broke the top 10 and the only reason they are behind is because I didn't sign them up until 7 days after the program started.

STEM

 

Music Lab

 

Flower Bombing Mom's grave (and Baby Joe's) and enjoying a picnic. Elijah was really sad because he was under the impression Papa would live forever and when I told him he would one day die like Yaya Kota, he was pretty down.

 

It was nice and cool in the shade.

I cried when we left.

Challenges are at times an indication of the Lord's trust in you.-D. Todd Christofferson

Sept. 11