"Just keep swimming." - Dori

My sister texted me that quote the other day.  It's my new motto.  It's amazing how a fish can inspire you. I love how Dori always looks forward (no memory is helpful) and doesn't focus on the past.

There is nothing terrible going on in my life but there are days...and sometimes weeks...when I want to throw in the towel.  Picturing Dori in her world of oblivion makes me smile and appreciate the little things.   Because I can laugh at myself, I am posting the following pictures from the BIG HAIR, acid washed jeans, and shoulder pad era to give you all a good chuckle.  Just to show that I am not living in the past (at least by my style).  Enjoy and just keep swimming.

A Decade Old

A little trip down memory lane...

My how they've grown!  We waived some cash in front of their faces and asked if they'd like to take the cash and run instead of having a birthday party and they wouldn't even consider it.  They want to have a movie birthday party with friends.  Unfortunately, there aren't any good movies out right now so I convinced them to wait until The Three Stooges comes out which happens to be right around the time they were originally set to arrive on this earth - April 17.  They thought that sounded cool so the party will wait.  Because Eric is out of town working, the twins decided I would accompany them for dinner, minus Kennedy and Boston.  They weren't allowed.  They chose Carmine's where they had hoped to play some video games.  The video games were no more but they enjoyed pizza and soda - Leighton sausage and sprite, Jackson pepperoni and root beer.  Interesting differences.  They are different in many ways but identical in so many others.

Notice Jackson's cheek?  It's tear stained from losing his classroom birthday money of 50 bucks (pretend money) because he lightly tapped a girl's hand on the table (she said it was a punch).  Leighton was going to clean it up for him.

They kept telling me that I spoiled them and they didn't feel worthy.  They are easy to please.  All it takes is food.

They are always picture ready.  The restaurant gave them the ice cream for free and you would've thought they won the lottery.

I could kiss their cheeks all day long! They bring tears to my eyes daily - happy, grateful tears.

Happy Birthday Jackson and Leighton!  We love you.

Career Day

In case you can't tell what they'd like to be when they grow up...

Leighton a demolition expert

Jackson a Steeler's football player

Boston a football player

Don't mind the blurry picture.  Eric took it.  The boys were all excited to go to school today and reveal their future occupations.  Looks like we've come a long way from the monster truck driver and McDonald's drive thru window worker (their choice a few years ago).  The future is looking brighter.  Now all we need to do is pass 4th grade and kindergarten.  I'm pretty sure they (we) can do it.

Testosterone

It's a peculiar thing.

This information may be just that - too much information.  So if you're the type to be offended easily, stop reading here.  If not, carry on.

I went to my annual exam about 2 months ago because it's the right thing to do.  I also have an iud (I know I was supposed to capitalize it but didn't want to draw attention to it) and had heard of several surprise pregnancies from the iud not doing it's job so I wanted to make sure mine was holding steady.  At first, the iud was hiding.  After an expensive ultra sound, the little thing was found and I breathed a sigh of relief.

While chatting with the Dr. amongst the charming appointment, we discussed ways to spice up my love life.  A testosterone shot was suggested and I quickly jumped on board.  A little poke in the hip and the magic would happen.  The nurse assured me I'd be back for more.

This brings on the true reason for this post.  It's a warning to avoid the testosterone shot at all costs!  Side effects I've experienced:

1. Irritability

2. Impatience

3. Moody

4. Sweaty feet

5. Excessive hair on my chin (borderline whiskers) and body

In other words, I am experiencing what a man feels like and I really don't like it!  And the only side effect I am not enjoying (nor is my hubby), is the prime reason for the shot in the first place.  

Nothing ventured, nothing gained.  Slowly I am feeling like my old self again - boring and consistent but no one is complaining now.

Grandpa Jenks

Elden Smith Jenks

93 years he lived on this earth.  He was a man of few words but when he did speak, his words had purpose.  He laughed with a reserved chuckle and turned red easily.  He loved to work and taught his family to work, although my dad didn't enjoy it as much as he did.  He was a soldier (served as a cook in the army during WWII), a dairy and irrigation farmer, a pioneer to the Columbia Basin of Washington state, a missionary (him and my grandma served in Salt Lake City), a father to 8 children, a grandpa to 45 grandchildren with 1 more due in April, 79 great grandchildren and 2 great, great grandchildren, and a husband of 69 years to my grandma, Glenna.

He was most comfortable in his overalls and how I will always remember him.

I am happy for the full life he lead and the knowledge that I have that families are forever.  Till we meet again...