Father's Day 2015

Generally, we have a traditional Father's Day breakfast in bed ... but we were a little too slow this year, and Gray got up. He went outside for some morning duckie time, and we brought him his breakfast outside. But it was so beautiful out, and this way he got his feathered babies in the picture too (well, you can see at least one of them there at the back). Such glare on the plate! We made french toast, hashbrowns, bacon, sausage and eggs. And milk of course. 

 It was so nice out, the kids joined Daddy for breakfast in the yard.

The ducks joined Daddy for breakfast too. Mealworms. Yum!

Every year, we have our annual Westra Family Father's Day BBQ at my brother Scott's home. Scott doesn't sound out emails often, but we enjoy it when he does, because they showcase his humor. I've laughed over them in the past, and thought I'd include it here (for future reference and posterity!) 

Greetings! 

Here is your formal invitation to the annual Father's Day BBQ at the Draper Westra's. The weather report is indicating sunny with clear skies and a high of 86 degrees. 

We plan on starting at 5:00 pm with dinner. We will have some gluten free chicken and hot dogs and baked beans and a fruit and/or seven layer salad. We would love it if you could bring some Brazilian cheese rolls, chips, salad, desserts or Brazilian cheese rolls. 

Special invitations and activities: 

1. Significant others are of course invited but don't expect any of us to be on our best behavior. Take that as fair warning. For the FIRST time ever, in an effort to be more inclusive, Roxy, as well as Grayson's duck(s) are invited to participate. Sorry Chris, the only chickens allowed will be those on the grill. All other species will need to be cleared with the Father's Day BBQ Committee and we assume no responsibility for the health or safety of your pets (or for you or your children for that matter.) Disclaimer: We have placed snail bait in the flower gardens and will "fog" the yard with insect spray two hours before guest arrival. 
2. The annual Westra Family Father's Day photo session will take place between 6:10 pm and 6:11 pm (yes, we realize that creates a minimal familial time commitment of 72 minutes - deal with it). 
3. Immediately following the family photo session will be the first annual "Lamar Westra Look-Alike contest." That's right, get your multiple plaid button down shirts and baseball cap on and grab your trekking poles. Winners will be determined by the number of likes for all pictures posted in Instagram! The cut-off for judging will be 8:00 pm. 
4. I will fire up my cotton candy machine about 8:00 pm. A power washer will be available if you want to clean off any family members prior to departure. 
5. Optional Hike: Suncrest to Triangle peak to watch Sunset on Summer Solstice: Kemery will lead this under 1 mile (1/3 mile up and back). Sunset will be at 9:02 pm (but the actual summer solstice will have already occurred at10:39 am). Depart Westra home at 8:30 pm, return by 9:30 pm. Note: sacrificing of virgins is NOT permitted within Draper City limits at any time and summer solstice is no exception.

Note: Amy reserves the right to alter the menu or activities schedule at any time, including the day of the event. 

We look forward to seeing you this coming Sunday! 

Scott

Our Father's Day celebration was actually in jeopardy this year though. The Tuesday before, my dad had a heart attack. Tuesday night and Wednesday, there was some question as to whether or not he would pull through. Then, the physical recovery looked quite optimistic, but there were still some worrisome neurological issues. But happily, Grandpa Westra progressed leaps and bounds ahead of what was expected, and the doctors actually released him on Sunday, and he was able to come to the Father's Day party! If you weren't aware he'd just been in intensive care for the preceding days,  you wouldn't have known!

 Ah, the annual family picture! We were missing our missionaries (five of them). Mckenna was in Washington, Rick was gone to EFY, Callahan had to work a REAL game... 

As promised, there was a cotton candy machine. Yum! Pink ...

... and blue!

There was frisbee fun, water balloons, some juggling, jump-rope, lawn darts ....

Until next year!

Grayson Goes to Europe

It was almost time to catch the plane. Grayson was anxiously awaiting the arrival of his passport, and leaving on a European vacation! The passport barely arrived in time. Whew!

The trip to Europe was actually a family vacation for Gray's brother's family. Kolby and Jami and their two girls had a month long trip planned, from England to France to Italy to Spain. Maga joined them for England and France ... and Gray joined them for Italy (and Spain ... although the Spain part was NOT originally on the agenda, but a certain husband decided he wasn't ready to come home). 

Grayson (and Jami) were great about posting photos to Facebook, so those of us at home could experience the vacation vicariously (oh, and just FYI, I was invited too, but I'm not a traveler, which is why Gray was jumping on this change to experience this with family). I adjusted Grayson's Fitbit (time zone change) and he hit a new step high (35K in a Day) and climbed to the #1 spot on the Fitbit friends list!  His feet did suffer though (there are some picture in the album below, or in the link just listed, ewww though!)

For blogging purposes ... I put a bunch of pictures into an album for easy viewing. Enjoy!

... I wasn't sure if Grayson was going to make it home for our anniversary, but he did. Although there were some times HE wasn't sure if he was going to make it home either. There were a few missed flights and an unexpected stay and extra day before he finally made it home!

End of the School Year Catch All

 

You can't quite read Cooper's shirt in the picture above. It says "School is AWESOME ... when it's closed!"  And school is out for summer! The last week ... well, they sure don't get much done. Callahan did have a couple projects there at the end, but after Mon/Tues that last week, he didn't make it to school (even though it still went through Friday). Keaton went through Thursday. The little boys had fun events that last week; field day, talent show, 6th grade vs teachers kickball, an awards assembly.  Cooper received his "Great American Award" plaque (more on that in the last school update).

I personally love the structure of the school schedule ... getting up early, having the kids gone for a portion of the day. Summer, there is sleeping in and staying up late and bored kids who want to be taken bowling, bouncing and swimming. I like them learning (they just don't even want to touch a book during the summer). It's an adjustment. 

There was quite a bit of construction there in front of the school the last few weeks. It made getting to the school pretty tough. I will not miss trying to traverse the trucks and such!

So as school ends, I thought I'd look back at some of the more memorable assignments and awards from the past few months...

Keaton went to work with Daddy for "Job Shadow" 

Keaton, Daddy and I spent a Sunday afternoon creating a Rube Goldberg Contraption

Grandma and Grandpa joined the boys for "Grandparents Day" at school ...

Cooper's lunch was first, and he didn't want to stick around and wait for Colton (who had a slightly later lunch) before heading out for recess, thus the separate pictures! Thanks Grandma and Grandpa for coming out!

Colton (and Mom) had to create a diorama book report.

Cooper makes personalized book marks for all the books he reads. This was his for the same book as featured above in Colton's diorama. Not for a school assignment or anything, Cooper just started making bookmarks on his own. I love it!

Cooper received the "Principal's Pride" award ...

... and we just keep a wall in the den for hanging up all the stuff the older boys get. 

... and of course, the end of year program at the elementary.

Here's Cooper's (Colton didn't have one this year ... at least that I know of!)

Remembering Gordy, Goose and More (Memorial Day)

We have an annual April visit to the cemetery, remembering Grandpa Gordon. This past April, it was cold and chilly as we went on Saturday. Ana and Pam had gone earlier, on the actual anniversary of his passing. The picture above, is the classic "Gray Selfie" and the one below is with a timer.

When Memorial Day came around, the house was filled with the kids friends, and I felt like I should stay and supervise. Gray met up with Pammy and they visited the graves of the other family members (they'd gone to see Grandma Henry's grave during the Moab trip). 

Up to Alpine for Pam's Dad and Granny Goose.

 They met up with my folks to visit the baby's graves.

My little sister and brother

They didn't grab a picture of Paula's ...

Grandma and Grandpa Blackham

Aunt Nessa 

Cousin Dick

...and of course Granny Goose

Gray thought the Coke bottle was an especially good touch. 

On May 29, Grayson posted a tribute on Facebook.
Many family members shared memories too.

The incomparable Granny Goose

Six years ago today this Goose flew the coup, and there wasn’t much we could do about it.

I remember:

• A pink Cadillac
• Black licorice
• Oceans of Coke
• Skip-Bo
• A key ring big enough to fit half way up her forearm (and, of course, the jingle bell)
• The fabric room downstairs
• 50 cent pieces every year for my birthday matching the age I turned
• Some pretty potent snoring when she slept at our house
• “See you in church”

And an absolutely indomitable spirit.

Nature Walks

It was a day in May, when Gray  (did you catch my rhyming there?) suggested we take a walk up around Silver Lake. It was a nice Sunday afternoon adventure. We remembered trips to the lake before, when Landon was just a baby, shortly before Cooper was born ...

We are missing Landon in these family photos (and experiences!)

Closer to home, we've also been taking walks along the canal ...

This dirt road runs along the canal right at the entrance to our neighborhood. It's a popular walking trail, and at this time of year, you can often see mama ducks and their little broods. We were lucky enough to see such a sight ...

...saw momma duck and her babies in the canal on the way home from school. Had to get out of the car and check them out. So cute! #duckies

A video posted by JenB (@jenblackham) on May 5, 2015 at 3:16pm PDT

On this trip down the canal, we also saw a bush with a billion ladybugs on it!

Okay, maybe not a billion, but a LOT.

Another walk down the canal, and we saw FIVE different mommy ducks and their  babies. It seems like whenever we see the babies they are so small, just a few days old. It is amazing how quickly they can swim and even scramble up the steep bank of the canal.

We've enjoyed getting out and about a bit this month of May ...

Mother's Day 2015

 Ah Mother's Day ... I had actually gotten up, but the boys said "back to bed!"  The whole "breakfast in bed" thing is a bit of a tradition. The picture with the boys looks lacking without Landon! But being Mother's Day, we'd get to talk to him later.

Gray poked his head in ...

 (barely, that's not even a quarter dome!) 

for his traditional selfie-shot. 

 Cooper helped with the bacon!

... and I got a record player! 

I actually really wanted a record player. I had recently obtained a big box of old albums from my childhood and was anxious to relive and re-listen to all the songs. There was music this Mother's Day! There will definitely be another post about these musical memories in the future.

Here's a quick taste ...

I got a record player for Mother's Day... Hubs and the boys don't quite appreciate the miracle of the music! #littleredcaboose

A video posted by JenB (@jenblackham) on May 10, 2015 at 8:42am PDT

... I also played (and sang along) the old classic from SONGS FOR A MORMON CHILD  "When I Grow Up I Want to be a Mother" ... it seemed appropriate for the day! *Ü*  Now I just need to convert some of these to MP3 to make sharing and listening to them easier.

We had the Blackham Clan over for Gray's classic BBQ

... and then of course, there was the Facetime call from Landon

Now that's a Happy Mother's Day.

Mothers Day ... From Gray

A tribute Grayson posted on Facebook.

Three women…three mothers…

The mother of my bride, the mother of my boys, and a mother of my own.

Their firstborn were all boys.

They became mothers in 1963, 1969 and 1995. One has 3 boys, one has 4 boys and one has 5 boys (though some may say she really has 6 boys). One has 2 biological daughters, one has 2 adopted daughters and one has no daughters. And they each "mother" in a way all their own.

I have an individual and unique relationship with each one. And at the risk of oversimplifying this, there are three hopes or desires that are woven deeply into these relationships and how they approach this somewhat rogue male. Here they are:

• A strong desire for me to be safe and healthy, mostly protecting me from myself :)
• The hope that I live up to my potential, seeing in me more than I see in myself
• The desire that I am happy, whether or not it is merited

That’s pretty good stuff. These are the most genuine, unfiltered, pure expressions that emanate from these relationships, from these women. I am theirs and they are mine and I feel more fortunate than I deserve or can express. And while today is the official day we've set apart to recognize them… as well we should… the reality is that I think about them and our relationships continuously. They are always on my mind… always in my heart.

Wishing love and happiness always, to the three muses of my soul.

A Post for Pammy

Grayson was out of town on Sunday, May 3 ... his mother's birthday. He had prepared a post for Facebook though, and made sure I got it posted for him. His words are always so touching and profound.

Here's his post ...

Goose and Zeke named her Pamela. That's what her birth certificate says. However, throughout her life she has been known by a host of monikers that are a clear indication of the affection people have for this dear soul. I wish I knew, and had time and space to share the story behind each name. Much of her history lies therein...

Pamela

Pam 

Pammy 

Hammy 

Maga 

Gaga 

Peep 

The moose (you'll have to ask Gordy on this one) 

Mom 

Mum 

Pammy-whammy ding-dong 

Today marks 69 years for her. Some will assuredly say or think it's not polite to mention a woman's age but, for me, this is something to celebrate, not recoil from. As has been the case for the 4 1/2 decades of my life with her, and up to the present time, she is often met with disbelief by those who are told her age. Indeed, there have been more than a few times someone thought I was her brother, not her son. And truth be told, she loves every minute of it... as well she should. 

For my part, there is a moniker that has come into view only in recent years… friend. 

She is my friend. 

She has an innate ability to make you feel important, validated. At least that has been my experience. In the midst of her own turmoil, she finds a way to deflect the spotlight and shine it on those around her, far more interested is what is going on with others than herself. That is the magic of Pammy. I can't explain it, nor does it need explaining. I can just revel in it. 

So today, I’m basking in the fiery glow of the candles on that cake, and wishing her a happy day and many, many more to come. 

Much love

April 23, 2015

Twenty-three years...

He died when I was twenty-two, so this year it's official or at least poetically so...he's now been gone longer than I ever knew him. In just under a month he would be 73. That age does not compute for me. In our family we siblings talk about crossing a somewhat ominous threshold....that of finally reaching the age he was when he left us...of outliving dad. Because I am the oldest, I will get there (or not get there) first. Not everyone in the family finds this discussion as funny as we brothers do. But it's nearly impossible, at this point, to let it go undiscussed.

On this anniversary of his passing I share five things, 

some of them reminiscent of his passing, some reminiscent of his living:

A picture at the graveside service. 

We have precious few (like 4) pictures of that day. 

Five of us are there (sans Kolby who was in Chile, an irreversible regret)

The April 28 funeral program. 

I like to be reminded of the names of people who were there, 

who participated, who loved this guy.

A scan of a "bereavement booklet" that someone gave to my sisters. 

The page I captured was Ana's. 

It's a glimpse of what grief looks like for a 9 year-old. Poignant, priceless.

The apple cider press...a relic of his past. I've tried to get rid of this heirloom many times, much to the chagrin and resistance of my mother. I know...she's right on this matter. This handcrafted masterpiece does one thing only: it makes juice. That's it. It's heavy, awkward and takes up space. But it's an embodiment of his craftsmanship and an inexplicable desire to do things differently, maybe even old school. Perhaps it was how he hoped to stay connected to a disappearing era.

A singular favorite picture of him, at the MTC, March 1989. He had lost some weight. And while he was never given to stylish dressing, in this pic he just looks great. He looks healthy, he looks happy. And, sadly, in three years he would be gone. I cannot look at this picture, ponder its substance, and not feel the flood of emotion. Oy...

Colton Takes 1st with a Tie

 It's that time of year again ... well, in the Blackham house, it's almost ALWAYS derby season (as Grayson owns a track and runs derbies all year round). But in April, it is even more true! Not only is it the derby for our pack, but Gray hosts a builder's workshop in the weeks before, opening up our garage and tools for anyone who wants to come and get a little help with their car construction. I was off to a Zumba class that morning and didn't grab pictures like I usually do. 

Grayson is generally too busy helping everyone else during that time to actually work with Colton, but that's okay. Colton got some one on one time with Daddy a little later on, although admittedly, they were still rushing to finish up the night before the derby!

Not sure where Colton got the idea for a TIE car, but that is what he wanted. So that is what they made. Pretty cool! And in the actual race, there weren't many ties ... it was beating everyone!

Mr. Fancy Tie was the car name. 

Here's some video clips of the night ...

Congrats to Colton!

1st place!