traditions

Four days ago, I sat on a beach in Trinidad, California watching my family.  There was just us, five Lowrys, alone on the sand. An overwhelming feeling of joy came over me as I watched Q and Sol walk hand in hand along the waters edge.  I smiled as I observed Corbin and Eliza dancing and playing in the surf.  I knew then, that I was exactly where I was suppose to be.  I was with the only people that really matter, doing what we love most.

We have been coming to Trinidad once a year during the summer since before Corbin was born.  It has become a tradition that helps define who we are.  Our children may not be able to remember what events occurred in which year, but they will be able to remember the sounds, and sights, and smells that only the Northern California Coast can bring.  They will have a feeling of nostalgia as they think back on our family tradition.  It was this train of thought that led to a flash-forward moment, of seeing my children grown, with children of their own on this very same beach, instilling in them the tradition we began so long ago.  I realized that this tradition will ring strong when they are grown, as it does for me now.

hand in hand

Corbin took Eliza's hand and led her to play on the playground, so she wouldn't be afraid.  I held Sol on my lap while swinging on a swing, listening to his laughter. And as Q snapped pictures, I thought, "This is it. This is as good as it gets. This is why we are here."  It was a moment when I saw without obstruction the joy that having a family brings.  The kind of moment that should happen more often, but I am frequently too busy or preoccupied to notice.  How many times have other moments like this passed me by without realizing it?  I have rarely appreciated my family more than I did in that moment.

My life is good.  I am very, very blessed.  

a day to remember

Saturday was one of those days I hope I never forget.  I took Eliza and Corbin snow skiing.  It was Corbin's second time and Eliza's first time.  Corbin was zooming down the mountain (lapping us...he did twice as many runs as E and I did).  Eliza was a trooper, never crying, even when she stayed on the chair lift too long and had to jump off.

One of the things I enjoy most in life is watching my children learn something new.  I love seeing the joy on their face when they realize this new, yet difficult, task is worth the effort it takes.  That great things can come with work and endurance.  Both Liz and Corbin were learning that even though we sometimes fall and get hurt, that it is always worth the effort to rise and try again.  That the reward is greater than the sacrifice.  Who knew that learning to ski could teach so much?

growing up

Last week, I was sick with the flu.  Bleck.  At the end of a long day, I knew I had to get the kids ready for bed and tuck them in.  As I was about to put Eliza to bed, Corbin said, "Mom I'll put Eliza to bed for you."  So I decided to take him up on it.  But I was so curious as to how this interaction would play out, that I stayed in the living room so I could listen.  He took her into her room and read her a book.  Then I heard him say, "Eliza you need to say your prayers."  So she did.  Then, "Ok Eliza, you can talk to your animals, but you have to do it QUIETLY."  I ran down the hall back to my room before he came out so that he wouldn't think I was watching them.

Corbin came in and said he put her to bed.  I told him that he needed to go to bed.  A few minutes later, I heard a lot of commotion going on in the living room.  I went out to check on him (because he was suppose to be going to bed).  He was CLEANING UP.  Innocently, I asked, "Hey bud, whatcha doing?"  He replied, "I'm cleaning up because you're sick and it's a mess in here."  My heart melted, and tears came into my eyes.

My little boy is growing up.   He's thinking of others before himself.  I am a proud mama.

seven

Cobin is 7! SEVEN!  How did this happen?  Where has the time gone?  Where is my "buddy" who needs his "farfar" and "bee". He is too tall, too big, too smart, too grownup.  Where is the "stop time" button when one needs one? 

I took him out of school early today, just for fun.  In two and a half years he has missed one day of school.  It was time for a much deserved break.  I always loved getting picked up early from school.  Like I was special.  I got to do something that day that no one else did.  I hope he feels that way today.

Happy Birthday Corbin!

meet & greet

Today was meet and greet (the teacher) at Corbin's school. I can hardly believe he is in the 2nd grade. How did this happen? How did he get to be so tall, and how at not quite 7 years old, is his foot almost as big as mine? Probably because he eats constantly, yet he is so slim. Why can't I have that kind of matabolism?

10 things to know about 6 year old Corbin...

10. He is a Hotwheels fanatic
9. He is a die-hard rule follower
8. His voice has two volume levels: Loud and Extremely loud
7. Corbin is the youngest in his grade, but academically resides at the top (SO SMART!)
6. Is a wonderful big brother, so helpful!
5. Knows all superheroes names, powers and costumes, but Batman is his favorite
4. Has a generous heart
3. Is a devoted friend
2. Cannot sit still for even 5 seconds
1. Is a sweet boy, who always tries to do what is right

Just a few of the countless reasons he fills my heart with joy.

great day

Today was a great day.


We sat with Liz and Corbin and showed them our wedding album. We talked about how they weren't there because they were still in Heaven. Yes, Brooklyn and Kenzie (cousins - whose mom was in our pictures) were there with you too. It was great to show them everyone 12 years ago. Yes, mom and dad were a little thinner then. No it's not icky that mom and dad are kissing.

Next scriptures, family prayer and bedtime routine. After the big kids woke up their sleeping brother with their loud stomps, talking and slamming of bathroom drawers we had a physical exercise of how to be quiet. "Corbin, show me how to close the drawer quitely." "Lizzy, show me how to walk quietly down the hall"...etc, etc. They thought it was funny.

Later Q and I were laying close in bed. Q asks if I will still love him when he is completely broken. Of course, I say. Will you still love me when I wear grandma shoes at age 35 because my bunions hurt so bad and have a hunchback from my lazy shoulder. He replies, "I get turned on just thinking about it." Ha Ha. But seriously, I will, and he will and that is true love.

But I guess we were lying a little too close because I started pointing out his long eyebrow hairs and he said, 'will you still love me with bushy eyebrows and ear hair?" I love bushy eyebrows and earhair. "Oh yes," he says, "because you see ear hair and think 'that is hot' ". Much laughter follows. And then one more, "I'm sorry I'm not who you thought you married." What do you mean? "I don't look the same as the wedding pictures." And then we laugh some more. Because neither of us look like we did in our wedding pictures. But in reality I don't notice the ear hair, I love the gray hair and all I see is the man I fell in love with. And I love him more now than I did that day in those pictures.