Adorable May

A game of "Mother May I" to share some moments I found Adorable during the month of May?

Mother May I...Remember every day how serendipitous life is, to be Nana and Papa to this one?

Mother May I...Giggle as I watch my daughter and my grand daughter play dance-dance-party together!

 Mother May I...Pray I'm not seeing double...Izzy and I love dog-sitting Stella.

Mother May I...Please have more of the Almond Florentine with white chocolate mousse.

Mother May I...Ever finish this chicken coop?

Mother May I...Have a quilt just like this one...do you think Sue Spargo would gift me hers?

Photo taken by Michelle

Mother May I...Pinch myself when I see all the joy in the faces of this little family.

Mother May I...Ever finish the chicken coop? Oh wait...I already said that one didn't I.

Mother May I...Always be surrounded with fervent, nurturing friends...who text, call, check on me, and send exquisite flowers during arduous days.

Mother May I...Appreciate cavorting, dancing 8th grade boys at the Middle School Talent Show. They were marvelous!

Mother May I...Ever be able to express how incredulous all the flowers are at the cemetery on Memorial Day...as far as your eyes can see!

Mother May I...Figure out just where Henry got those long, curly eyelashes from.

Mother May I...Reach inside The Teenager's soul and comprehend what he's meditating about.

 Mother May I...Say how much I LOVE summer flowers blooming on my back patio.

Mother May I...Wait patiently for fresh herbs to mature and find a place in Summertime meals.

Mother May I...Drink in the aroma of Springtime in this little valley that is bright with green this year.. 

Words at Candlelight

Scanning the sea of crimson robes, it was the sight that took my breath away in the chill of last Wednesday evening. I stood elevated on the bed of a vehicle with microphone in hand. Quivering, the only words that would form were "Wow"!

How would I ever be able to say the things I had prepared?

And then...a calming warmth enveloped me and I began...

The scene before me all started with a delightful surprise visit from the 2011 senior class officers of LHS a few weeks ago.

 They presented their plan and sought our approval.

In Jocie's honor, they wanted their senior class gift to be a bright yellow bench with a plaque dedicating the gift to their classmate and friend. They miss her too!

Quickly and efficiently, the student officers placed an order for the bench, found a source for the bronze plaque, and lined up a contractor.

We were touched beyond words at the gesture. But you see, this Class of 2011 is filled with not only thoughtful and sincere teenagers, but extraordinary ones!

The officers had something else to ask...a simple request really. Would we speak at Candlelight? Having already gone through two LHS graduates, we knew exactly what this meant. The tears fell as we humbly accepted the request. Dean elected me to speak on behalf of all of us.

The bench is located at the back of the high school overlooking the football field. The place where Jocie famously became a member of the Touchdown Club. With golden sunsets on one side, and her snowy mountains on the other, it's perfect.  

Doesn't Cass look like a J Crew model here?

We gathered together, sans Dione and Bob (missed you) to see the bench for the first time just before the ceremony began.
 

As darkness settles around the bench just before I would speak, Jocie's spirit settles there too.

Here is some of what I said...

"On behalf of the Garlick family, it is a sincere pleasure to be with you tonight. The time-honored graduation ceremony of “Candlelight” at Logan High School is deeply embedded with tradition. Knowing that we would be speaking in place of one of you graduating seniors, humbles our family completely.

 

 So, I tried to think of what Jocie might want to tell you if she were here speaking to you right now.

• First, I’m sure she would be thrilled that the newest make-out spot at Logan High School was a yellow bench with her name on it.
• Second, she would tell you all how much she loves you but not in a totally serious way, much louder and more like “Dude, you’re all awesome!”
• And also, I know she’d want you to hear her best advice for your future...as you so often heard her say “Go Big or Go Home”

Four years ago I watched you all enter Logan High School with excitement, fear, dread, inhibition and hopes. You were shorter, smaller, and had interesting choices in hair style and fashion. Today you are older, taller, smarter, wiser and excellent drivers. You have achieved a wonderful high school education and tomorrow you graduate. As you each start out on a new path, I ask you, what will your legacy be?

As you can imagine, I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on life and legacy. With legacy being the result of living an authentic life; no matter how long that life might be.

If you think about it, there are literally thousands of people who lived their lives in such a way that deeply affects each one of us today.

• The founding fathers of our nation who believed in gaining freedom and a better way of life.
• Abraham Lincoln, who knew this country should not be divided.
• Those of you with pioneer heritage, whose family members left everything they owned to move to this beautiful valley we now call home.
• Family members…a grandparent, aunt, or uncle whose legacy might not have been famous, but a true representation of what it is to be a truly great person.
• Perhaps a coach, or treasured friend left you their legacy, whose example reminds you daily to achieve greatness and fully embrace everything and everyone around you.

Just like those who came before us left us their legacy. Those who will come after us will come to know the legacy that we leave them. What will your legacy be?

You most certainly will have challenges, struggles, unexpected or life-altering difficulties that threaten to inhibit or even destroy your legacy. What will you do? I stand before you tonight to tell you that you can make it through these moments. If you pursue through the unimaginable, stay strong and believe in your own personal legacy I know you will succeed.

Some parting words I know Jocie would want to share with you…have fun in your life, be crazy, maybe even a tiny bit weird. Go big or go home...but mostly go big!

To the Class of 2011…We will always love you and consider you part of our family. We expect many amazing accomplishments from you, with a legacy that lives on for generations."

And scene...and what a scene it was!

A Gig, a Dance and a Griz

As The Teenager began showing serious interest in guitar last summer, he set a note-worthy goal that would take great ambition. He wanted to audition and then play in the year end talent assembly at his middle school.

Ugh, I had to use a flash in these photos...and you know how I hate a flash!

The rock stars as the curtain opened.

While you might think Chet has a frightened expression, he is actually just trying to be COOL...this lasted a few seconds and then broke into his casual smile.

Once their inclusion in the assembly had been announced, the boys arranged practice schedules and worked all on their own to perfect their performance.

The rock stars played a song called "So Cold" by Breaking Benjamin. It was not a simple song to learn and play for a first gig, but the song does has some pretty sweet solos.

Celebrating...after the performance. 

With barely time to shop, shower and splash on some cologne...the Teenager is "handsomed" up for the last dance of middle school. The report from the evening...apparently the DJ didn't play enough slow songs. However, the Teenager danced every one except for the first one. Because no one dances on the first slow dance...that's just uncool!

The thoughtful pose.

Three years ago he unassumingly entered middle school. Ten years old and fresh from the tragedy of losing his sister, life had changed in an instant...as it did for all of us. A childhood that would be defined by this one event.

With confidence, ease and a bunch of new friends... high school begins in the Fall. The Teenager remains a source of my strength and my hero. Logan High...say hello to your newest Grizz!

Graduating Girls

With numerous differences and just as many similarities, I consider these exquisite girls part of the family. A couple are tall, a couple are...not so tall. Sometimes they call me Mama G. 

They have shiny blond hair, dark brunette hair, sassy short hair and silky long hair...but not one has red hair. 

The red-head is missing, and the giant hole her absence leaves in their hearts would be one of their similarities. They are graduating from high school and each stepping out on their own new path. Graduation is causing us each to pause, reflect, grieve, ache and look to each other for comfort and reassurance.

Sid...she may not be tall, but her giant sense of humor takes you off guard on most occasions. She makes me giggle, a lot!

Madi...with genuine sweetness, she wraps herself around everything surrounding her. Madi would be the first one to text Jocie if she didn't get on the bus to school.

Autumn...She and Jocie have known each other since the day they were born. Autumn along with Sid were singing 99 Red Balloons with Jocie, being the last ones to see her as they skied off the lift together that day in March. Autumn is just like her name, deep and rich with a colorful personality.

Camber...What she lacks in height she more than makes up for in heart. Jocie and Camber's relationship was dear and special. I always loved seeing the two of them skiing together. In keeping with Garlick tradition, Jocie nicknamed Camber "K-Dawg" and Camber's dad "Papa Smurf"!

Maren...It seems almost overnight, she's become a beautiful young lady with fabulous style. They met in 3rd grade and were instant friends. She once re-organized Jocie's entire closet and room, because that's who she is. As you can imagine, it was quite a job!

Lindsay...With her gentle spirit and genuine soul, she loved Jocie completely. Lindsay and Jocie were two peas in a pod and spent nearly every waking moment together. They loved designer clothes, boys, making harmless mischief, and each other.

As Dean sat down to have lunch with all of us, I'm sure he felt slightly out of place...for about 2 seconds. He loves these girls as his own. They are a stark reminder of what he's lost and yet a constant vision of hope for the future.

Congratulations to our graduating girls...we genuinely love everything about you and wish you all the best in the years ahead! We know you will always be a constant source of joy and hope.

A Saturday

Sometimes on a Saturday...

We cheer for The Teenager #18 as he plays his final regular season lacrosse game. With great pride they creamed the cross town rivalry team with an 8-2 victory.

Then we take pictures of a jubilant team. The teenager is cheering in the back row...the boys had just declared him to be the one with the most girlfriends.

And sometimes on a Saturday we take the chickens outside for a recess in the back yard. I'm holding Friggie, a silky grey bantam named after Frigalment a famous chicken contracts law case. We will credit Lawyer Girl and her fellow law school buddies for the name.

Say hello to penguin, a brahma bantam who we really hope does not turn out to be a rooster. It's very difficult to know which ones are roosters until they are older. Bantams have a 50% chance of being a rooster while the other chickens are much less, about 10%.

Sometimes on a Saturday the hubby works diligently on the coop while the chicks dig around in the dirt for the very first time. You may notice that the number of chickens at our house has increased since the last time I posted. Because, if 4 chickens are good then 7 are even better...right?

In the past few months I have somehow started shopping at IFA instead of Nordstroms...do you think I could convince Nordies to start carrying chick feed along with their Jimmy Choos? Mother Clucker now weighs a whopping 630 grams or 1.4 pounds.

She has gained 14 times her weight in the past 6 weeks. In comparison, baby Henry who is now 8 weeks old would weigh well over 100 pounds if he were growing at the same rate. Amazing isn't it?

 Watch who you're calling chubby!

Red, Gizzard (hiding in the back), General Chow and Nuggett are discovering tiny prizes hidden in the tall grass. They grow tired of living in the condo in the basement...and look forward to their daily road trips into the great outdoors.

And most of the time on a Saturday we try very hard not to make fun of Friggie...please don't use words like homely, or awkward. She's working very hard on overcoming this stage.

And sometimes on a Saturday, Nuggett tries out the new nesting area where she will soon be laying eggs. Hurry up and finish...cluck, cluck!

And finally on a Saturday, amidst all the chicken recesses, coop building, lacrosse games, herb and tomato planting we managed to soak up a tiny bit of much sought after warm sunshine. With another difficult and yet rewarding milestone ahead of us this week, we can use the warm dose to our spirits.