Almost a quarter century

Our youngest turns 20 today. This marks the end of 22 years of raising teenagers! Lots of memories - dare I even go there? Sky diving, things pierced, chocolate chip cookies, early morning seminary, summers in Utah, lacrosse, horseback riding, bike racing, softball, concerts, piano lessons, atari, raspberry shakes, helicopter rides over the Grand Canyon, speeding tickets, truck, tattoos, snowmen, ski trips. And laughter, tears, amazing accomplishments, courage, and miracles. What a blessed Mother's Day.

Mormon Desert

Vacation

I bit the bullet and dragged my bones into the principal's office to request two days off without pay. I have not been "home" for two years. I get so conservative and focused. We settled our daughter back into school and hugged our very courageous son who has valiantly walked a lonely path back to a safer place. Met my new sister-in-law. I like her! Ate pineapple and ham pizza from Fredrico's (our first date almost 39 years ago) with family. Breathed in the mountains and the fresh dry air. Then returned to 16 supported ed students who still can't remember to bring a pencil to class and have no idea what they did with their outlines for their career speeches. And rain. And a sore throat. But then, the return of son 2 from his first year of law school, the arrival of his cute girlfriend and . . . Chris getting bumped off IDOL! ! ! !

The Lion House in Salt Lake City