20 Years and June Lake 2016

 July 30 2016

Mathew turned 20. It seems so weird. He did want to go on a hike with us, which truth be told, made me happy! We  hiked to June Lake, up by Mount Saint Helens, and then stopped at Trail of two Forrest's for a picnic lunch. Even his girlfriend Jourdan went with us. He even had a good time, and told me Jourdan did as well. Yes!!!!

 More from October...

We still don't know what is wrong with Esther's leg. More tests and waiting. 

After Esther s doctor appointment Mathew met us for dinner (before he went to school). Great dinner, I know, but they were fine with it. I wanted to document the moment, Esther wanted to pose, I didn't want to wait, and Mathew thought it was funny.

This year we went to the pumpkin patch, and went through the corn maze. Rose and Taylor joined us. The weather has been so mild, making it a lovely day.

These guys made it out first and were proud of it!

19

 Mathew turned 19 (July 30th). He spends most of his time with his friends which I have been told is normal, but I do miss him being around. He did go camping with us, sat in the hot tub with me, played mini golf, and hiked up the sand dune with everyone.

The weather was perfect, camping food is always good with lots of snacks, and I was with the people I love the most. It was a good weekend!

Mathew Graduates! 2015

It has been a long couple of years, but here it is. He graduates. Once a babe in my arms, now a man (only 18) who has to forge the way into his own life that will be independent of me.

He has a plan, goals, a place where he wants to go. I am glad for that.

Mathew was not one for pictures taken by his mom tonight. I am glad for these! 

Cool Seniors!

Finished with high school forever! (Joseph graduates next week, then he will have a smile!)

Senior Pictures, then and now.

Thirteen years ago I sent my little buddy to school. It was a sad day for me, and Esther, as they were such good friends. We missed him. He has been such a joy to me. As I look back, I am grateful for all the things we did, and all the time we spent together. I hope that when he looks back over his life so far, he will remember his mother, and remember how much she loves him. I hope that he will remember the fun times we had, and the quiet times. Raising my children, Mathew, has been the best thing I have done.

First day of Kindergarten

 Mathew and Esther

 Last day of high school. 

Mr Cool Senior

 Laura took Mathews Senior pictures. I am so thankful! These are my favorites.

 This is the one he chose for school.

 Trying to lay on the back of his truck and not fall!

The time really did fly by. Try as I might, a mothers love cannot be put into words. 

Now, on to graduation!

Track and Field State 2015. Roos Stadium, Cheney Washington

 Gladys, Esther, Mathew, Stuart

 The line up. Mathew is five in on the left. (Even though he is 6' he is still a little guy!) 

The high jump didn't start until 3:30! With the heat, and mostly sitting, we were tired.

Mathew took fourth with a jump of 6'2". I am proud of him even though he was not happy! He was so nervous. He had a rough year, and I am glad he placed in State.

No smile from Mathew, Esther hates it, but I got a picture of them together. We went out for dinner before the long ride home, then gas and treats. I sat in the back with Esther and Gladys (Ugh!) so Mathew and Stuart could talk. Mathew was quite upset, but after talking about college, work, careers, he said track and cross country are all over. Its moving forward now. He was in much better spirits by the time we got home. I am so thankful for Stuart, and how he helps Mathew navigate his life. I am also so glad that he is an active part in Mathews life.

A nice ending.

The season is over. His personal record is 6'4". Next is State. His last High School event!

Deep down.

Mathew and Esther have had a love, hate relationship this past year or so. Sometimes its smooth sailing, (like last year at Ty's graduation) and sometimes all I do is put out fires.

Despite that, I know that deep down they still love each other. Hopefully, someday, they will be friends again!

Counting Change

Summer is in the air. The sun makes us want to go barefoot and jacket free. Have family barbecues, drink lemon aid, go swimming in the river, and tell jokes around the campfire. 

I am longing for summer nights, and the slower pace. Until then we have to get through these last few weeks of school. It is bitter sweet, because Mathew will graduate. I will write about that later. I am not ready yet.

Mathew, Charlie, and Jonny.

Some of my favorite boys.

This was from a couple of meets ago.

 I have loved watching him these past six years. It is almost over, and again I am not ready to write about it. Its been a long roller coaster ride.

 Today he took first in Districts with 6'2". Next weekend we will go to State.

On a lighter note, my buddy Colston counted all the change I had in my purse!