Cats & Dog

 Tyson gets asked to watch a friend's cats every once in a while.  He loves it!  I love that he gets to play with cats, but I don't have to have them in my home-- Majorly allergic to cats over here!  It works out well for all parties.

I'm not so sure Max is a fan, though.  He LOVES to go on car rides, but is always a mess when Tyson leaves him behind.  It's so much fun watching his wagging tail when we pick Tyson up, though.  I love how much those two love each other.  I'm happy to report that I am firmly Max's #2 favorite person.

Typical Tyson

 A few weeks into Summer, Tyson told me that a girl he knew was signed up to run a 1/2 marathon in town.  "I'm going to start running a mile every day to support her."  Day after day, he'd time himself and challenge himself to run it faster, getting it down to under 7.5 minutes without formal training.  Sometimes, he'd challenge himself to simply go for that run, even if it was moments before bed.  His dedication was so cute, especially knowing it was for a girl.  So, when he said he wanted to try Cross Country, I wasn't quite shocked, although it was the first time I'd ever heard him express interest in running without a soccer ball included in the sport.

Yesterday was supposed to be his first practice.  I'd done everything that I knew needed to be done, even going to the school a few times to sign papers and pay fees.  When he got home, he said, "They didn't have certain forms, so I wasn't allowed to run on the track."  I was mortified.  I'd signed some of the forms on the computer, but I did notice that something was wrong when I signed in and it didn't have ANY kids under my profile.  I created "Tyson" so he could be signed up, but it doesn't look like that worked!!  When I apologized, telling him I didn't know what had happened, his reply was typical Tyson: "That's ok.  I was told I couldn't run on the track, so I just moved over a few inches and ran on the grass next to them."

I'm the luckiest girl in the world to have such forgiving children.  I was sent a link from the secretary at RHS and got him signed up for real so he'll be able to run today.  Hopefully.  

FOUR bunnies

 On Friday, Brennon and his friends wanted to go stargazing before school started.  Brennon asked if Randy would also take them on the Rzr and make a fun date out of it.  So, at 8:00pm, they headed to to Horse Heaven Hills for a night of fun.  The wind and clouds had hung around all day, so the decision to just go was made at 7:45, even if they weren't up there very long.  That's Miracle #1.

They were all having an absolute blast.  All of them wanted to keep the night going, despite the chill of the wind.  On their last ride, Randy decided to take a different route so they could speed back to the car.  It was the only time they took this particular path.  That's Miracle #2.

As they were coming up, Randy saw something on the road that showed bright white.  As they approached, the kids yelled that it was a bunny.  Randy slowed and they all just watched the bunny for a second, sure it was going to run off.  When it just sat there, the kids were like, "I'm going to go see if I can catch it!"  And to everyone's shock and surprise, it let them pick it up!  Miracle #3.

As they cast their eyes around, they found THREE more bunnies huddled around a bush.  So, as you probably guessed, they went to see if they could pick those up as well.  YEP!  As they stood in that road, lit by the Rzr lights in the pitch black, they looked at one another in shock and glee-- Four bunnies held in their arms, not trying to escape at all!  Randy had seen a truck just a few minutes before in that area, and thought to himself that they hadn't stayed long at all.  And now he knew why-- those four sweet and innocent bunnies had been abandoned!  They packed up ALL the things and came home.

I was reading in my room with the door closed when they got home.  Randy walks in and sits down, waiting for me to notice what's in his arms.  It was so random, so exotic, so out there, that my mind literally couldn't comprehend what I was seeing.  He repositioned himself so the bunny was closer to me, and I kid you not, I almost expected the bunny to disappear!  When it didn't, my mind was so confused, I asked, "Is this real?"  It is weird how PTSD affects my brain sometimes.  It felt more real that the bunny should have disappeared than that it didn't.  It felt more real that it COULD disappear than that it didn't.

I walked out to see four bunnies sitting on four teenager's laps, not trying to get away, not being "trapped," just allowing them to snuggle. Miracle #4

In shock, I text Keilie-- she came right over even though it was 10:30.  When I told Ashlee and Danielle about the bunnies, Ashlee text back, "Don't let Keilie know, she'll hid one in her drawers."  While we were in Hawaii in 2010, Ashlee was babysitting my kids.  Keilie, the master baby bunny catcher, caught one and they hid it for days in their drawer, she and Caden.  They were so made with Aunt Ashlee found out about it and made them turn it loose.  It's a fun memory for both Keilie and Ashlee.

Saturday night we had 10 teenagers sitting around our living room, passing bunnies back and forth.  Again, it just felt so surreal that these bunnies allowed it!  At 11:00pm, Amy took home the black one, Riley Byrd took home the gray and cream ones, and we put the white one in the kennel for someone to come grab her today. Mircale #5

It was SO MUCH FUN watching them hop around the back yard.  It was SO MUCH FUN watching the dogs interact and play with them.  It was SO MUCH FUN holding them, snuggling them, and just having them.  But, the moment the last one went to a good home, I felt immense relief.  It was a blast while it lasted, but I'm not in a good mindset to add unexpected stress, no matter how cute and fluffy and snuggly that stress is.

Had they chosen not to go, Randy not taken that path, the kids not gotten out to catch the white one, not seen the other three, not brought them home-- I just can't imagine trying to live with with myself knowing I'd abandoned defenseless creatures in the harsh wild.  I'm glad those kids were lead to that mountain!

Nukes and Sandwiches

While sitting around the dinner table, celebrating Keilie's birthday, Shelby asked Tyson if he remembered walking in his sleep the night before.  He kind of looked a little contemplative and said, "I thought that was a dream!"  Then it all started to come back to him.

Tyson: "I went out to check for nukes and sandwiches, or something like that!"

Shelby: "I followed you downstairs and caught up to you as you were coming in.  When I asked you if you were sleep walking, you told me no."

Tyson: "Because I was awake then.  I'd woken up outside and couldn't remember why I was out there."

My boys have all had sleep stuff.  Caden had night terrors, and both Brennon and Tyson sleep walk.  Tyson more so, admittedly, and the only one that goes outside.

We once had to install a lock at the top of the door so our kids wouldn't go out the front door in the morning.  Perhaps we need to do that again, so our kid won't go out the front door in the dead of night...

Eagle Eye

Brennon went to a shooting range for Youth Activities tonight.  I got a video from Roman, showing me Brennon's wicked skills.  In all honesty, I had to watch the video a few times, because I didn't see anything-- he was that fast.  It was super impressive to watch.

When Randy and I were talking with Brennon about it, he told us that his instinct was to close his eyes as he was getting ready to pull the trigger, so he never knew if he'd hit it or not!  We laughed and laughed!  He truly didn't know how well he'd done, because his eyes had been closed each and every shot.

If that isn't a display of "natural talent," I don't know what is! Cutie!

Day Hike

 Randy and Tyson went on a day hike adventure with Matt Porter today.  Although I know why I didn't go-- thank you wrecked back for holding me back!-- that doesn't lessen the jealousy one bit!

Randy said the last few miles of this 8-miler were pretty steep, that he knew I would have really struggled.  But I'm wondering if these views would have negated the pain and made it all worth it!

Tyson was prepared with his swim suit.  The water wasn't as cold as he'd expected, but it was still pretty chilly he said.

I'm glad they got to spend this time together.  I hope it is a memory they'll have forever!

Mistaken Contents

 I was asked to sub for Singing Time today.  I was more nervous today than I ever was when I took that calling over when I was the Primary President, but only because I was afraid the kids would be disappointed in the girl I am these days.  We had a blast, though.  It was SO good to be back with them, to laugh and to testify of Jesus together again.

After, as I was cleaning up, Sister Nelson gave me an envelope and a cookie.  Mistakenly, I thought it was an invitation or a handout from the RS lesson that day.  I was unprepared for what was inside.

It was a card that had been passed around to the women in the ward, telling me of their love and support during these difficult times.  I was so touched, I just sat and wept.  I'm the luckiest girl in the world to be a member of the Hillview Ward.  They have been His hands since we moved here 11/2/2012!

Prison

 Since returning from Utah in July, Mira has been having some serious anxiety.  Major.  In fact, it was so bad, we took her to the vet and got her a prescription for meds.  Pacing, panting, scratching at the carpet, an occasional bark sesh, and just staring into a corner, night after night was really scaring us.  Since Randy was always the one that heard her and took care of her during the night, he began looking for a large dog crate to get, to contain her to one spot if needed.  She has never, not once, spent a night in a crate while living with us.  I was worried THAT would cause her to have anxiety.

I got a call this morning, asking if I'd help Randy bring a crate in the house that he'd purchased that morning on Facebook Marketplace.  "Now, it's much bigger than it looked online.  We'll try it for a while, and sell it if it is just too big for you."  Even I was unprepared for the size and durability of this beast!

The second I saw it, I giggled remembering Secondhand Lions for some reason.  It's not like this cage looks like the one they had on that movie.  In fact, the cage they had was a box.  But what is currently in our living room is cage enough for a lion!

Shelby wasn't home when we sent these pictures.  She FREAKED OUT!  "GET HER OUT OF THAT PRISON!"  We giggled.  "The door isn't even closed!"

And Mira loves it.  Max does as well.  Color me surprised!

I sure hope this helps our girl.  Poor thing is due a calm night.  It is hideous.  It takes up WAY too much space.  But Mira loves it, so I do too.

Crystal Clear

 August 5th-- Randy interviewed with Vector Solutions (1st interview) at 7:30am.  He also interviewed with Authorium at 2:45pm (3rd interview).  It was a good day.

August 6th-- Vector's 2nd interview was postponed to tomorrow.

August 7th-- Authorium 4th interview at 11:00am, Vector 2nd Interview at 1:00pm.  We were hoping, and fairly confident for an offer from Authorium soon, since today's interview was with the last co-CEO, which went well.

August 8th-- Vector 3rd interview at 11:00am, Authorium 5th interview with the hiring manager at 1:30pm.  At first, we were certain that he wanted the Authorium job.  He really like what he'd be selling, and loved that it wouldn't involve travel.  However, it would mean that we would move to Olympia.  We had mixed feelings about that.  However, as Randy interview more with Vector, he started to really like them, too.  We went into the weekend with faith, but also a sense of, "Heavenly Father, we'll do what you want us to do, go where you want us to go, but we really need for the decision to be clear."  While sitting in Sacrament meeting, Randy said, "Steph, I just feel like it will be made very clear next week."

August 14th-- Vector interview at 8:00am.  It went very well, and got Randy more excited about Vector.  He sent an email to Authorium, asking for an update.  They'd told him last week that they'd contact him "sometime next week," so Randy said he'd reach out on Wednesday if they hadn't reached out.  Nothing.

August 15th-- still not a word from Authorium.

August 16th-- Randy was in Costco, shopping for dog food for Mira.  We'd been on a financial fast since he was laid off, only using those things in our pantry, or purchasing perishable foods to supplement, so when we got down to the last 3/4cup of dog food, he went to spend that money.  Randy said he had the distinct impression that he was going to head back to the cake section to bring something home to announce the surprise news.  And then the phone rang...

Randy has always been one to do something for me when he knows I am struggling.  So when he placed the cake down in front of me, my first thought was, "You spent money to make me feel better?!"  When I looked up at him with what I can only imagine was guilt mingled with endearing adoration, he said, "Read what's on the cake..."  JOB!!!!!  I started screaming, clapping, jumping, and hugging.  HE GOT A JOB!!!!!

The kids heard my commotion and rushed out.  It was the best day!  After weeks of interviewing, weeks of faith, weeks of wondering if we were going to move from my dream home, from Keilie and Dallin (and future grandkids!), away from Caden, and away from Richland High School Shelby's Senior, Brennon's Junior, and Tyson's Freshman year-- we finally knew-- we are here to stay!

As Randy was telling Dallin about the whole thing, I learned what a true blessing one man-- Jonathan Mitchell- has been in our lives.

2002-- Spillman Technologies, first job right out of College.  I thought Randy just worked with Jonathan, that Jonathan went to Maui for President's Club because they worked together.  Nope!  Jonathan was the one that INTERVIEWED AND HIRED Randy!!!!!

2012-- Jonathan was the one that talked with Randy about getting out of pharmaceutical/medical device sales and coming back to the industry of Public Safety.  Because of him, Randy interviewed and was hired at New World, which moved us to Richland.

2024-- The day after Randy was laid off, Jonathan "just happened" to posted a position for the company that he is Vice-President of Sales. *quotations added because I know it wasn't coincidence that he posted that particular day* Because he knew Randy was interviewing and likely to be made an offer from Authorium, Jonathan fast-tracked the interview process, as well as offered Randy more money than he'd asked for.  Jonathan has been placed in our lives THREE TIMES and blessed us with work Randy's entire career.

After accepting the offer from Vector Solutions, he sent an email to the hiring manager (whom we still hadn't heard from in 10 days) to let him know he'd accepted and offer, and thank them for the time they had taken with him.  

"Randy, I have been out of the office on family vacation.  I'm happy for you, but if there is ever a time you are looking, please reach out to us."

Randy was correct-- the answer had become very clear.  Though it all, He knew.  We were lead.  And we are grateful!

Pool Monitors 2024

 Since buying our membership in 2013, I have chosen to monitor on the last Sunday of the season.  1) because most members of the pool are members of the church, and 2) because it is always cold.  

This year, I decided to choose a day where our kids could possibly invite friends.  If we keep our membership another year, I'll do it even earlier in the year-- it was SO MUCH FUN!!!

Shelby invited four friends, but they didn't stay long.  Tyson invited a few friends and Ryan a few (all from the same friend group), for which we got chewed out by a member of the board.  He called it "stacking memberships," but I call it FUN!  I have never liked confrontation, but I stood my ground this time.  The pool wasn't super busy, and I know we aren't the only ones that invite others when we monitor.  If we are supposed to stay from 6:00-10:00, the more the merrier.  However, we'll know for next time that we can't do that. I thought I loved the last Sunday gig, but this ended up being even better.  Minus the lecture of course...

Service Flowers

Sarah Demars offered her flowers for a service project in our Ward.  Tricia Johnson used them to bless my day.  I'm the luckiest girl in the world to have friends such as these.
 

Wake Surfing

The Davenport's invited us out for an afternoon of wake surfing.  The boy were SO excited, and, to my surprise, Shelby was as well.  She even cancelled plans with friends to come with!  It was the best day out on the water.  I was in charge of the flag, and performed my duties with exactness-- pretty much award worthy.

Shelby had been before with friends, so she knew the logistics of it and got up within her first two tries.  Brennon took a bit longer, but he did eventually get up and was confident enough that he sang along to the songs he requested.  It was so neat to watch him gain that confidence.  Tyson, being Tyson, got up his first try and let go of the rope within a few seconds.  Both Shelby and Brennon were equal parts impressed and annoyed at his display of natural talent.  Randy later told me that he'd gotten up his first try when Derek took him out a few years before.  One day, I'll try.

As fun as it was to watch my family, it was just as much fun to watch Ben (7), Nate (5), and Sarah (3) out on the water.  Ben got to show off his first time surfing alone, Nate got to show off his first time letting go of the rope, and Sarah got to show off surfing with her Dad.  He held her at first, put her on his shoulders, and then shimmied her down to stand on the board between his legs.  The smile on her face was pretty much the best part of the whole day.  The display of trust between child and father was just beautiful.

As one that has said that "Boat Stephanie" isn't fun/is the worst, I think "Wake Surfing Boat Stephanie" would be a blast.  Someday, I hope we get a wake surfing boat.  There, I said it out loud. FUN!