A Passing and Then Not Passing Chimney Rock

A few weeks ago we were stunned and saddened to hear of the death of Dean's cousin Tammy. She along with another couple were killed in a horrific car accident while vacationing in New Zealand. No stranger to the importance of having family by you when grieving...Dean decided we absolutely needed to attend the funeral of his sweet cousin.  Tammy's children were inspirational and uplifting as they each reminisced of the mother they will dearly miss. Tammy was sparkle and jewelry and sunshine...I am sorry for her passing. A rose among the thorns, Tammy had seven brothers, and I think they were each happy to see their cousin Deano. Just my opinion, but if you ever find yourself vacillating on whether or not to attend a funeral...You are right...you probably won't be missed if you stay home, but you will be noticed if you attend.

 Tammy and her family live in a small rural community in Southern-Central Utah, so we decided to make a road trip and extend our time in this area...sort of playing in our own Utah backyard. Following the funeral, we took back roads through small towns that I remember from my childhood. Small towns where aunts lived and distant relatives I vaguely remember visiting with my grandmother about a million years ago. Every new town we entered we would comment at the population sign posted on the outskirts. Population 215...less than his Instagram followers...according to Chet!

While passing through Capital Reef National Park we saw a trail on the side of the road that looked like a fun place to hike. On no time schedule whatsoever, we stopped the truck and decided we couldn't pass up Chimney Rock Trail. After a quick change out of our funeral clothes right there in the parking lot, we set out on a late afternoon hike.

The scenery in Southern Utah is stunning...the view different around every corner. The Chimney Rock Trail is named after Chimney Rock, an impressive pinnacle of red-hued shale that rises from the desert floor.

Although marked moderately strenuous, the hike was easy. Beginning with mildly steep switchbacks,

the trail loops and finally opens up on a table-top mesa to this view of Chimney Rock and the surrounding valley.

My Chimney Rock-stars!


This trip made me realize, that time is marching quickly with this young man of mine...

and I am very aware of an increase in the cadence.

His Dad and I feel so lucky he is willing to tag along on our adventures. We listen to his Spotify playlists, buy him Jabanero Smokehouse Almonds, and lots of Dr Pepper. Blatant bribery I know, but I think it helps.

His childhood has been defined by Before and After. His After making life at home markedly unlike his sisters' growing up years. I wonder if he wonders what life would have been...

how different it could have been! I do believe he wonders, but doesn't dwell in the wonderment. His future is bright and his options brilliant.

So today, seize the moment...don't pass on the important stuff and especially don't pass up those Chimney Rock trails. The view is exhilarating...and now bring me that horizon.

Prom

High school Prom is a rite of passage.

More than likely it's the first time a teenage boy will wear a tuxedo.

As well as the last time he might wear a bright pink vest. There are currently so many choices in formal wear...and not all of them are great. If you are one of those who remember the fabulous blue tuxedo...don't worry, you can still rent one!

Prom night at The Garlick Press is a family affair. Cass and I had been discussing appetizer options just the day before. Lawyer girl even called to Face-time her baby brother as he was getting ready.

Dad made sure the tie was folded into the perfect Windsor knot. He even washed, waxed, and vacuumed out the Mini Cooper for his son.

It's all about the details...right down to the bright pink rose and rinnucula flowers on his date's corsage. We have a great local florist Sego Floral that makes beaded wrist corsages that are simply gorgeous!

As his mom...I couldn't help but consider this rite of passage as one more notch on the growing up tree.

Additionally, in the past few weeks he took the ACT and SAT college admission exams.

Somebody tell it to stop!

This is a new thing for me...sending a teenage son off to Prom. I had words of encouragement "be a gentleman, open all her doors, ask what time she should be home, etc" All of which I already know he will do. But I've been teaching him for years to honor and treat girls special, I can't stop now!

I think this is the first photo of father and son at the exact same height. Dean knew it was coming...first Chet's shoe size then the 6 foot mark. That last inch crept up pretty quick and suddenly they can look each other straight in the eye.

Upon picking up his cute date...Addie and her mom decided the couple should perform the ceremonial flower pinning at our house. Something about the photos...hmmm I don't know what you mean! Addie nailed it first try...I didn't even get a chance for a second shot.

I loved it when Addie turned to me and asked where I ordered the corsage from? Haha...clever girl!

Ah...the most adorable couple. 

I think I have this reputation of being crazy with a camera. Addie didn't even hesitate when I asked them to pose doing something fun. I love willing subjects!

Most of these boys spend A LOT of time at our house. And I adore each of them! They also eat A LOT at our house. So when considering dinner plans, the boys seem to think that I am a better chef than any restaurant in town.

Consequently...Prom night dinner is at The Garlick Spread!

Admittedly...I'm thrilled to be part of their plans. Who wouldn't be...just look at these gorgeous, sweet and amazing young women!

I had a request for a bro pic since these two were wearing the same tuxedo.

Tayli asked if I'd shoot a "jumping" photo with her date...yes, I can do that!

We cleared out the living room furniture so we could fit the entire group into this photo. That was Dean's brilliant idea. Such a handsome/beautiful bunch of teenagers!

I know that half the group was male...but I'm always astonished at the amount of food they eat.

Toph just came for the honey and homemade rolls...don't kid yourself!

Dessert of their choice...Deer Valley Cheesecake or Spring Coconut Cake...or in some cases both! Then they are off to the Prom. What a night to treasure. Years from now, these kids will always remember Prom night, and so will Dean and I. Thanks for letting us be part of this evening and your rite of passage.

Purple at Fifteen

Sometime in the past few years I stopped shopping for him at places like Old Navy and Gap Kids.

It seems just last night that he insisted we only call him "Buzz Lightyear". Because you see...he was Buzz Lightyear, as he wore the Buzz outfit an entire year of his childhood. 

Sometime in the past few years I started buying him razors and stopped cutting his meat! 

And sometime during the past few years The Teenager passed me in height...it happened overnight. Now, he can wear his Dad's shoes, uses cologne, and does pull-ups from a rod in his doorway.

But just last week he let me shop for him. He even liked the purple I picked out...and the vest...he was really excited about the vest! Fifteen looks good on The Teenager as does the purple!

Maybe sometime in the future he'll let me take photos of him for more than 1 minute before he bails on me! Just maybe...

Ewey Gooey Chewey Part Deux-ey

Brace-Face, Tin Grin, Metal Mouth, Tinsel Teeth...just some of the nicknames used to describe that awesome time in your life when you have braces.

Or how about "Jaws"? The name of the metal mouth evil villain in the James Bond movie "The Spy Who Loved Me". The worst thing about having braces according to Chet, is having your mom cut off the kernels on a cob of corn just so you can eat it.

I can scarcely believe it's been a year and a half since we celebrated Ewwey Gooey Chewy Day with The Teenager. But lucky for Chet, the day to remove his braces finally arrived. Dr. Hlavaty insisted/didn't give him a choice on Chet's last color of braces-BRIGHT PINK...implying it would make him more manly. Plus it was Valentines day, and it seemed like the perfect color at the time.

Tada!!!!

It's time for Ewwey Gooey Chewy Part Deux...the sticky treat party following a year and a half of braces.

 He was not excited...not one little bit!

Yes, he did share...well sort of. He knows how much I love Tootsie Rolls and let me have a couple.

Congratulations handsome Teenage boy...what a beautiful smile you have. That's four out of four kids' braces finished. The Garlick Press is ecstatic to have them all completed and especially paid for.

According to Chet...the best thing about getting your braces off is having smooth teeth again, plus food tastes just a little bit better.

Also...Dr Hlavaty claimed he would not be held responsible for all of the chick magnification that was going to happen once the braces were off and the girls saw his charming smile.

Freshman Vocabulary

Do you remember the
21st night of September?
Love was changing the minds of pretenders
While chasing the clouds away

Our hearts were ringing
In the key that our souls were singing.
As we danced in the night,
Remember how the stars stole the night away
                                September-Earth Wind & Fire

It's September; he made it through the first week of his Freshman year in high school. Just a few of the 9th grade vocabulary words The Teenager will need to know...

Amenable...Although his alarm sounded off approximately five hours earlier than he had been waking during the lazy days of summer, his demeanor was amenable and cooperative.

Cessation...Comfortable summer routines of reading books on Kindle, playing with chickens, tossing around lacrosse balls with a constant barrage of friends, and making banana pancakes came to a complete cessation.



Early morning faces and lighting

 Erudite...Erudite discussions of Algebra, geography, and biology will soon be at the forefront of his thoughts.

Gregarious...There is something about being in high school that releases gregarious swagger in young teenage boys...all to impress the girls.

Ingratiate...He was determined to ingratiate himself with upperclassmen...to prevent getting pounded or stuffed in a locker.

Garrulous...Returning from the first day of school, a garrulous young man spouted quips of lunch, girls, classes, buddies...and more.

Volition...Of his own volition...he started straight into homework without being reminded.

Following dinner...The Teenager and I lay in the cool evening grass chasing the fluffy white clouds with our eyes. We chatted about his first day of high school...friends, hot girls, teachers, and everything else. For a split second I considered running to find the camera to capture the moment. Instantly, I realized I already had.

It is definitely looking to be a winsome year for this new Freshman.

"Ba de ya - say do you remember
Ba de ya - dancing in September
Ba de ya - never was a cloudy day"